I have integrated my 40 references within the weeks 1-4.
I have enjoyed researching designers and artists whose practice inform my work and allow me to have a better understanding of the history of design as well as gaining inspiration from other sources that are not strictly design based, for example, at museums that inform me on communication and add to my wider knowledge. Using ‘Cite them right’ I was able to Harvard reference my references which has been good practice as I used different structures depending on the source of the reference.
I found the lightest shade of blue too dark when printed so I colour picked a different shade on the collage which printed better and closer to my desired colour choice for the final folio.
I developed my back cover and chose the right design as I think it compliments the front cover well.Working on my folio
Front cover page of the Folio (better illustration) For landscape, I could have my name in a speech mark.
Finished vase illustration
Fonts I found to use:
Bennet Banner, Regular (capitals)
Multi, Italic
Content page illustration
I need some illustration references.
I am going to focus on finishing the portrait printed Folio as I need to send it for printing before the deadline. My personal deadline for this will be Wednesday and then I will wait for feedback on the Friday and print it off next Monday.
These are some of the printed version of my Folio. I’ve never seen my work printed professionally so I appreciate being able to see how my work works not only within a digital context but a physical one as well. Being able to flick through the pages adds an experience to viewing the work.
Koto Studio. (2021) What Is… Authenticity [Speech]. Chelsea College of Arts. 18 October.
Branding – making ideas real
Projects at uni- Packaging based projects
Years placement, Studio round (gd studio) DesignStudio Fabrica
Work that makes a social impact and difference
What is branding?
A brand is made up of
Identity
Strategy
Personality
Communications
Experience
Graphic designer vs brand designer
Brand designers define a brand
Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.
Jeff Bezos
Brand is more than a logo. It’s a collection.
A brand is more than a product.
It’s a emotion, a feeling
Great branding:
Designs with tomorrow in mind
Has a point of view
Making ideas real
Is emotional
Brand belief is reflected in the companies DNA
Differentiation – how to stand out in a busy market
Digital brands- thinking about the little things
Human centred, helping others
Present three options to present to a client
Testing- how does it make you feel? Does it communicate x?
My thoughts:
I was inspired by the Huma project where the brand had a human centred approach and how the design brings a warmth to the delivery of the information which positively impacts those who use the app.
I think that some of the branding process can be applied to our projects as in a sense we are feeding into our personal brands through the Folio. Asking the questions ‘how do I want the viewer to feel?’ and ‘Does the design communicate this?’ are very helpful in determining the success of our design. The overarching emotion that I want to attach to my design work is a good mark to checking that the colour palette, typography and illustrations fit under the umbrella and therefore will have a certain cohesion to them.
In this unit I have explored a variety of contexts for graphic design and through researching different practitioners and studios, as well as attending talks, which bring a different angle to the application of skills and practices that I am developing. I have enjoyed researching different creatives whose work is not within the graphic design world but whose ethos and visual language have influenced my work. It has been interesting to look into the history of the grid and how it has progressed to today, as well as gaining valuable technical knowledge that can underpin my design practice. I found the sessions on InDesign particularly helpful as there are some tips and tricks that I learnt that make using the software easier. I understand how process, method and theory relates to design practice as all three are imperative to all the practitioners that I have been able to listen and ask questions to. All have a great underpinning of theory and most have developed their process and method since graduating from art school. I have gained personal and professional insights through reflecting on my past work, current working and looking to the future where I want to create new pieces of work that steer me towards the career paths I am passionate about. This unit has provided space to reflect on my work to date and to consider where I want to be when I graduate and start to think about life beyond Chelsea College of Arts. I have found it helpful to have this time to think about these things at the start of second year as the prospect doesn’t feel too imminent so I have time to continue to position and map my personal practice in the design world. The Folios that I produced were helpful to be able to see where my personal practice lies and where the next year’s work may lead me.
The best thing is to get out there, meet people and see where you fit in.
Burrill, A (2021) ‘Talk by Anthony Burrill’ [Lecture]. Unit 5: Professional Practice. Chelsea College of Arts. 21 October.
Documentation is an important part of the work
Anthony Burril, Photography: Chris Spencer-Payne (2021) You&Me and Me&You [Installation] . Leeds.
Storytelling through presentation.
Instagram is an extension of a website
My thoughts:
I like the simplicity of Anthony’s work yet it still has an impact of those who read it. We were told that it takes time to be able to set type well and to achieve this harmony in the piece. Even though it looks simple it still takes time to perfect. Something I like about his piece ‘Work hard and be nice to people’ is how he heard someone say it at a supermarket, make a note of the phrase and used it later on in his work. It highlights the importance of being aware of the world and of drawing inspiration from different sources, not just the design world.
I found the advice given at this session really helpful, especially how to write professional emails and how to manage expectations. I am looking for an internship next year so I will be coming back to this session and applying what I learnt.
I found Jeffers work on instagram and I really like the friendly, soft and informative illustrations he makes.
Jeffers. O. (2021) ‘Draw the oceans’ [Instagram]. 17 February. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/oliverjeffers/?hl=en (Accessed: 26/10/21). Jeffers, O. (2020) ‘Just checked’ [Instagram]. 19 December. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/oliverjeffers/?hl=en (Accessed: 26/10/21).
I particularly like his series of dipped paintings. He says (Jeffers, O, 2021) ‘I painted the portraits alone in my studio and kept each veiled. Prior to dipping. I never photographed any of the paintings. Therefore, the people present at the time of the performance were the only witnesses to the pre-dipped works. Their testimonies are the sole archives of each portrait’s unobstructed state.’
Jean Jullien is a French graphic artist and illustrator. I also came across his work on instagram and was drawn to the fact he has a very distinct style and to the the simplicity and often humorous elements to his designs.
Julien, J. (2021) ‘Made it to hossegor’ [Instagram]. 24 October. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/jean_jullien/?hl=en (Accessed: 26/10/21).Work for Café NouNou @ Studio Concrete
He also creates installations with his illustrations which inspires me to think how my work could look in different, unusual contexts.
The artwork uses a busy mixture of type sizes and styles, upper and lower case letters and bold and delicate handwriting
I like the interaction between the photograph and the handwritten type. The conservational tone of voice is something I’d like to achieve in my portfolio so handwritten type is always an option.
I created this illustrations as I noticed that the letter ‘O’ ‘L’ and ‘O’ in the word ‘FOLIO’ looked like eyes and a nose so I drew out some ideas based on this observation.
In the brief it says to included ‘a selection of 3 or 4 of your strongest projects to date.’ While making my Folio I am including more projects and then will select the file projects when I have designed all the pages so I can see what works well together.
These are design ideas for the front cover. I was writing ‘folio’ and thought that I could make a face out of the shapes of the type I experimented with different face shapes and positions of the type.
After having placed these two images within the context of my Folio with other work I found that the colours did not harmonise with the other images so I decided to pick colours that were part of some of the pieces. I chose three different blue tones which add a level of calmness and simplicity to the tone of voice.
How can I tie all the pages together? The visual language of each project and the title pages are very different so I need to make sure that I have consistency throughout the pages in the type, colour palette and layout.
Front page development
I experimented with different layouts of the type and illustrative styles to create a face for the front cover. I chose the simplest design made up of shapes as it doesn’t distract from the images within and also sets the friendly, simple tone of voice.
I created the back cover in the same style as the front cover. I chose to use an image of someone waving at a door as it is an echo of my zine design where I incorporated elements of a house. The words also are not too formal, which indicate how my practice is. I chose to add elements of the front page like the nose of the person and the smile between the ‘o’s.
Design ideas for the ‘a bit about me’ section. I chose this title as it sets the tone of voice of my Folio as not too formal but I still want to portray myself as professional through the use of design.Choosing the page layout and finding the balance between image and textI took out this page as I think it disrupts the flow. Layout options for the contents page.Idea for consistency – have something from the former or previous page
I am a graphic designer who works with mixed mediums: with an emphasis on analogue and digital methods. With a particular interest in the ideation stage of projects, I find coming up with fresh ideas, experimenting with methods and coming up with the final design are key elements to my process. My work is heavily supported by new and multi-disciplinary research methodologies from a spectrum of practitioners, often helping to challenge my practice through new perspectives and insights on my work.
My folio reflects on my works to date, that are best representative of myself as a designer. Whether by my roots in design principles or the influence of my fine-art background, my visual history has moulded my interests in: typography, pattern, collage and illustration.
In my folio I have included work that, to date, best represents me and my practice. My work is rooted in the design principles and is influenced by my background in fine art. My interests include typography, pattern, collage and illustration.
Drop words like ‘to’ and ‘and’ from the end of sentences so that there is more balance and so that the sentences are presented in a way that is compatible with speech.
Use a grid as at the moments the captions are slightly out of line (more noticeable with a digital version)
Where captions sit at the top is important, not in relation to the bottom of the sentence.
Colour matching for when the document is printed.
My response to the feedback:
I appreciate the feedback, especially about the small details as I think it will help elevate my folio in terms of the visual harmony it adds to it. I will go through my document in great detail making sure everything is aligned with a grid, with a consistency to everything and that all the type reads well.
Instead of ‘Photography exhibition’ call it ‘Emerging Connection
Questions:
How do I set out the captions? Set to the bottom or top of the writing?
How does colour matching to the digital document work? Will the professional printers be more true to the colour or should I change one of the colours?
I really enjoyed the talk from Fandangoe Kid, especially the fact that her work is primarily influenced by her personal story that touches on loss, grief and recovery, all of which are often taboo subjects, making those who are struggling with these things feel isolated and alone. Her work and process is positive, helping others and actively listening to those who she is representing and the audience she is aiming the work at.
Annie was talking about how she has decided to take up or turn down jobs due to a gut feeling and whether that aligns with her values.
Recently I have been re evaluating my affiliation with advertising. Since I started thinking about graphic design as a career I was drawn to the world of advertising as my Dad worked as a copywriter for advertising companies so I was exposed to this as an avenue that graphic design could take me down. My following work experience was also in advertising. However, I’m not sure that commercial advertising is in line with my values. I believe that we shouldn’t put too much emphasis on material possessions or have a big desire to have more. Therefore, I am uncomfortable with the idea that I could be using design to persuade people to buy things that they don’t need.
Currently I am thinking that I could create animations for educational videos.
Careers support: 1:1’s tailored to your units, deadlines & industry. CV checks, DPS applications, portfolio reviews or any other 1:1 support you might need.
After the session I applied to the mentoring program as I think that it would be invaluable to be able to talk to discuss with a professional in a field that I want to pursue.
Sarah Borris (2021) ‘A Talk by Sarah Borris’ [Online Lecture]. Unit 5: Professional practice. Chelsea College of Arts. 7/ 10.
www.sarahboris.com @sarahboris_ldn
Book: Studio Culture – how different practices run their studio
Advice
Be clear why you want a job.
Good to prepare something custom for a specific job.
Everyone these days has good portfolios. So you always need to go the extra mile.
When you work for a studio, you work under the studio’s name. Often you are not allowed to contact the clients from the previous studio. So you need to create your own outside network.
Build a network of friends, collaborators and clients.
Work
Vending machine selling products Editorial Design
Write down words that define yourself and practice
Question I asked
What things can we do while we are at university to prepare ourselves to work in the professional world?
Try to find out where you want to work, in house, studio, freelance, combination of disciplines marketing, art.
University is the beginning of something that can evolve. Never feel you are stuck in one thing. Never let someone tell you that you are not good at something. Don’t let anyone bring you down. What someone says does not define you.
Try to think about the business aspect. Set up on your own and think about fees and contract templates. You are better equipped
Fees and negotiating contracts. Get it out of the way straight away.
Inspiration comes from everywhere
(even the bins)
Sarah Borris (2021) ‘A Talk by Sarah Borris’ [Online Lecture]. Unit 5: Professional practice. Chelsea College of Arts. 7/ 10.
I can relate to Sarah Borris when she said ‘I’m shy but I like talking to people and meeting people.’ She gave the advice ‘You need to get out there.’
Appropriate representation for how I work and the industry works.
What do you want to do?
This brief challenges you to explore, orientate and define the direction of your own creative practice. This project is about you, your work and your interests
Peter said that this project, ‘It’s all about you.’
Ideas for far for the Folio:
M (digital video) (print beautiful)
City landscape
Illustrations from collaboration with Olga
And references (William Morris)
Requirements for the portfolio:
A4
Clear and professional
Template
Consistent captions and title
Framework that means you can be experimental.
40 References – explore own practice and interests
Delve deep into what you are interested in
E.g. a designer, design studio or process I like
Create our own creative manifesto. Our very own design and guiding principles.
What are my principles?
GDC Chelsea Graduate – Mark O’Neill
Camberwell Graduate – Max Koehler – www.maxkoehler.com
Portfolio advice
Eva Kellenberger
2021—22
Co—Founder / Creative Director
KELLENBERGER-WHITE
www.kellenberger-white.com
Presentation is important – from the photography to the typesetting of the portfolio itself.
Tony Brook
2021—22
Founder / Creative Director
SPIN
www.spin.co.uk
I have had several emailed PDF’s lately that started off well but then went on far too long, and the standard naturally dropped. We tend to judge someone from their worst piece of work.
James Greenfield
2021—22
Co—Founder / Creative Director
KOTO
www.koto.studio
Your PDF portfolio should be clear, simple and easy to navigate. Show your strongest work, get your foot in the door. Once the door is open you can’t dazzle them with your personality.
A PDF deck is often the first point of contact for your work
— Show the work the represents you.
— Show the area/s of practice you are interested in.
— Do not include work that does not interest you in order to add more pages
USEFUL TIPS
Set up your master page in landscape orientation.
Page size A4 or A3.
Sketch out first or have an idea of your intended layout.
Set up a grid to work with throughout for consistency.
RGB colours for digital use.
Include a cover page.
Include a short paragraph / biography near the beginning.
Include a contact page at the end.
Do save your PDF down in acrobat so the file size is ideally 5—10mb.
Ideally no more than 24 pages for a portfolio deck.
Work should be supported by a title and a short caption.
Attach your deck to your email.
Do not assume that if you send a we transfer it will be downloaded.
Be careful with hot links and embedded films.
Check that none of your photography and images are pixelated.
Make it easy for the person you are contacting, people are busy.
Keep it simple, don’t over design your pages, let your work breathe
Lakwena Maciver creates painted prayers and meditations using acid-bright colour and bold typographic text which respond to and re-appropriate elements of popular culture.
I first saw Lakwena’s work on instagram when a friend shared her work. I am drawn to the messages of her work as she shares her beliefs in a way that is accessible and relatable to everyone.
‘I’ve worked hard at whatever I did. I’ve kept busy. I’ve taken every opportunity that came my way, paid or unpaid. I’ve worked out what interests me… coming out of art school and thinking about what separated me from other people. What made me who I was, what was distinctive about me, what set me apart?
WonderVision Films (2018) Lakwena speaks on painting walls around the world & how she creates for the biggest brands. 19/2/2018. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYvTG7SDK88(Accessed: 10/10/21).
I find her advice about thinking about what makes us who we are and what makes us different from others helpful, especially in the context of this unit where I am thinking about my own practice and story.
Start making work. Make work that is your own. Be a servant in every situation. I’m not trying to be the best, I’m trying to be the best servant .
WonderVision Films (2018) Lakwena speaks on painting walls around the world & how she creates for the biggest brands. 19/2/2018. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYvTG7SDK88(Accessed: 10/10/21).
Order was always wishful thinking for me. For 60 years I have produced disorder in files, correspondence and books. In my work, however, I have always aspired to a distinct arrangement of typographic and pictorial elements, the clear identification of priorities. The formal organisation of the surface by means of the grid, a knowledge of the rules that govern legibility (line length, word and letter spacing and so on) and the meaningful use of colour are among the tools a designer must master in order to complete his or her task in a rational and economic matter.
I like this quote as I find the humour in my relation to his experience of having ‘disordered files’ as I am naturally quite chaotic and as the quote ‘creative minds are rarely tidy’ sums up well. Yet in his work he uses grids and approaches his work in a methodical, organised way.
I was particularly drawn to this piece of work on Turrell’s website as I really like the method of collage of the black and white image with elements of colour and bold type. I used this visual language as a starting point for my zine.
It’s great to be back in the studio and to be surrounded by creativite people with great ideas! I was working on my first page of the zine, which I decided would be my name in a grid shape and I looked over and saw a classmate designing a keyhole on the first page of her zine, and I was very inspired by this as she thought outside of what a traditional zine would look like and decided to put her own spin on it. I was thinking how I could do something similar to her idea but not replicate it and I thought of an open and closed door. This became the structure for my zine as it is included elements of a house and the door on the back cover is the door of the house.
I chose to choose an accent colour of blue throughout the zine as blue is the colour I most often wear and therefore which my friends associate with me. I also like the simplicity and effectiveness of using a minimal colour palette in design as it encourages more playfulness in other aspects of the design.
On the first double page spread I have included some work from Unit 3 of 1st year where I researched William Morris and created some kinetic type inspired by his words and design. I drew his living room and thought it would be fitting to include here. Illustration is one thing that I enjoyed doing last year throughout the projects.
Over lunch I was thinking about what I could fill my last blank pages with and thought that I could include other things in a house: stairs and a window.
The words on the stairs read ‘creativity and hard work’ which amongst having the right connections and luck, are the most important must-haves for being a good graphic designer. For me, I have to remember that having a creative mind isn’t enough to make it in the industry. Hard work and long hours and improving.
In Class Feedback: While having a conversation in class Ansel told me that the design was a bit rigid. This makes sense as I have just started developing this style inspired in part by Swiss modernism amongst other things. I am in the process of developing my visual language and tone of work so this task was helpful to explore these themes.
He also suggested that I could create a floor plan out of type so that the person would have to literally read the room.
On the back of this feedback and also after having printed out my zine and made it up I added to and tweaked my design.
I illustrated the window, rather than having it very rigid, and then experimented by using the outline and solid window to create a pattern, which I placed behind the larger window.
On this page I decided to play with perspective and encorporate portrait and pattern.
I wanted to ensure that similar visual elements were present on each page so that there would be continuity and to reduce the rigidity. I added the illustrative element onto the pages with the stairs to tie in the bold black and white graphic type with the softer illustration on the previous page.
Individually kern your headlines and sub header text lines. These texts will be prominent on your pages, it is important that you consider and edit the kerning on these text lines.
Lisa Rahman (2021) ‘A Talk by Lisa Rahman’ [Online lecture]. Unit 5, Professional Practice. Chelsea College of Arts. 14 October. Available at: UAL Moodle (Accessed: 14/10/21).
For Lisa, research is an integral part of a project. The turn around in the professional world from the idea to realising the idea is fast. At uni we have more time to work and the room to make mistakes and learn from them. The constraints of deadlines means that you end up with something.
Negotiation with the clients:
Listening to why they feel like they really want that thing. If I can understand why they are pushing so hard for that.
The work she did in uni went on to impact she went on to do in professional practice.
To see her progress from uni to professional work is really encouraging as the processes, experimentation and realisation of her ideas and response to the brief helped inform her choices in a professional workplace. It challenges me to focus on particular parts of graphic design that I want to learn more about and work in, in the future.
8 weeks to make an entire magazine
Utilising the skills that they have within the team to bring the pages to life
Colour palette
Good quality imagery
Type rules
What would you recommend to students who are starting their professional practice?
Really strong Strong portfolio
Have conversations with people
Approach the people you really admire
Find practitioners that you love and reach out to them
