BRIEF ONE: (SCREEN)

BRIEF ONE: SCREEN

Very excited to work with my team AZIDE N3 on this particular brief.  We have already listed thing we are going to do, places we are going to visit, types of research we will conduct all in preparation for our presentation on Tuesday. 

As a group we have various strengths and vast knowledge that will be so useful for this brief.  I am looking forward to creating an interactive website design.

DIETERS RAMS - GOOD DESIGN - OBJECTIFIED

I was shown this at the beginning of the week, which is the 10 principles of design.  What Dieter Rams mentioned, I feel this is very true, and such a significant points made as people design but its not challengeable or new, it is designed but often do not have purpose, it may not be pleasing and it sometimes has a false facade.  The video below is fantastic and ever so inspirational.  

NEW PURCHASE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT POCKETBOOK, Keith Posner & Mike Applegrath, 1998,2008

Project Management Pocketbook, Keith Posner & Mike Applegarth, 1998, 2008

Due to doing team work I thought this purchase was fantastic and good way to get our design team into a set structure, and understand ways we can present to the class.  

There is a section called "Scoping The Project," where there are various ways for strategy and identify key areas of work/skill/resources required:

The SWOT Analysis identifies the conflicts and forces, both internal and external

S      (Strengths)

W    (Weaknesses - present/internal factors)

O     (Opportunities) 

T     (Threats - potential/external factors)

Pestle analysis should be used in conjunction with a SWOT analysis

P  (Political)

E  (Economical)

S   (Social)

T  (Technological)

L  (Legislative)

E  (Environmental)

Within the past two weeks I have come across several research processes.  At the beginning I did not fully understand them all.  After reading this book, and further research I have come to understand the majority, and will start to apply to my work.

1. PMI - Ed Dubain
2. Learning Cycle - Kolb & Solberg
3. Sign, Signifier & Signified - Saussure
4. Camera Lucida - Roland Barthes
5. 5 W's 1 H
6. SWOT
7. Primary & Secondary

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Quote by Inge Darwish. Typographic Layout Nadine Brown  

Inge gave a lecture Tuesday 27th September 2011.  The two questions asked  where, "What is art?  What is design?"  For the first time I actually had to think twice on these questions.  

Inge stated a list of books, one in particular which stood out to me was Alan Fletchers, Art Of Looking Sideway.  I have had this book for a good several years.   It is a fantastic book, as it explores the ideas of how the eyes, brain and hands create work through imagination.  It looks into visual awareness, aesthetics and deign. 

Art Of Looking Sideways, Alan Fletcher, 2006.

The other books mentioned below I will look into further at later point to add to my collection.

1. No Logo - Naomi Klein 

2. Mark Ryden - Semiotics

THE LIST OF WORDS & MEANINGS (for CASE STUDY)

QUANTITATIVE

In the social sciences, quantitative research refers to the systematic empirical investigation of social phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. 

QUALITATIVE

Qualitative research a method of inquiry employed in many different academic disciplines, traditionally in the social sciences, but also in market research and further contexts.  Qualitative researchers aim to gather an in-depth understanding of human behaviour and the reason that govern such behavior. The qualitative method investigates the why and how of decision making, not just what, where, when. Hence, smaller but focused samples are more often needed than large samples.

POSITIVISM    philosopher and founding sociologist, Auguste Compe

Positivism refers to a set of epistemological perspectives and philosophies of science which hold that the scientific method is the best approach to uncovering the processes by which both physical and human events occur. 

CONSTRUCTIONISM   

Constructionist learning is inspired by the constructivist theory that individual learners construct mental models to understand the world around them. However, constructionism holds that learning can happen most effectively when people are also active in making tangible objects in the real world. In this sense, constructionism is connected with experiential learning.

EPISTEMOLOGY  James Frederick Ferrier 

It addresses the questions:

What is knowledge?

How is knowledge acquired?

How do we know what we know?

Much of the debate in this field has focused on analysing the nature of knowledge and how it relates to connected notions such as truth, belief and justification.

ONTOLOGY

Is the philosophical study of the nature of being, existence or reality as such, as well as the basic categories of being  and their relations.

RESEARCH METHODS: IMPLICIT/EXPLICIT = (PROFILES)

There is not just one way of finding answer.

1. Idea of maps/brainstorming

2. Metaphors/connotations

3. Journeys

And all these are obvious forms.

IMPLICIT- Refers to ideas

EXPLICIT- Refers to detail/tangible

We were asked the question, "What is a company profile?"  

We did a quick brainstorm

• Consumer based
• Target audience
• Identity
• Stratergy
• USP (Unique Selling Point)
• Portfolio 
• Value

These are just a few, then we were asked to present our findings, in a way that we can teach the class.  On the spot presentations are not my strong points, and a lot of team mates that we were grouped into were not confident to talk up either.

Our method of teaching the class what is the IMPLICIT/EXPLICIT areas of a company profile, was simply a diagram split into two showing IMPLICIT listed with points and EXPLICIT list with points.  although our method of informing was not great we had a few key points listed. 

On form of teaching was through the Who, What, Why, When, Where and How method.   This method simply addressed the answer, was straight to point and simple.  

THE RESEARCH, PROCESS AND OUTCOME

I have produced an issuu file, which show the presentation slides that we presented to the MA Group on Tuesday 27th September 2011.

This presentation went absolutley well, and I was over the moon with this.  Please click link below to view presentation in full. 

http://issuu.com/nbrown88/docs/azide_presentation_final3?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222

Front Cover of Presentation by AZIDE N3 , 27th Sept 2011

Feed back which was given from Damian was to think past 2D Flat logos, and to bring a bit more of a depth.  Inge suggested the idea of experiments and explosions.  These two points are very much valid, and myself and team mates have gone back to the storyboard of sketches to improve our logo a touch further.  

N3 or Azide

Sketches, by Jason Yang

Designs, by Nadine Brown

Designs, by Yolanda Ni

We all went away as a group to create an identity for N3.  The more I looked into the formula of N3 and what it exactly was I felt that our team name would be better suited as AZIDE, and that or logo would be be N3.  Ironically we all thought the same thing when we had got back together to show our sketches. 

We have such a fantastic vibe when working with one another, an understanding and appreciation of each others designs and thrive of each others strenghts, and accommodate for each others weakness. Our identity came from all three of our designs, and such a great team effort in the design process and from initial ideas to the final went really well.

DESIGN PARTNERSHIPS OR TEAMS.

As a part of the practical based part of the course we were told to form groups of 3.

1. Come up with a Team name 

2. Produce an identity.

3. Visuals

4. Who, What, Why, Where, When and How

Think about strong ideas, added value, get inside of the experience

VOICE.....TIME.....PLACE.....EMOTION....ADDED VALUE

Jason, Yolanda and Me - DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS

The way that our team was formed, was purely through fate and luck.  As an MA group we could not pick who we wanted to be with so we placed all our names into a bag (12 names).  Wrote down our strengths and literally selected in 3s the names in a bag.  Originally myself, Jason and Kon where placed together, but due to the fact that we had similar strengths, we randomly swapped a name with design team, (now called Amaze) and we swapped Kon and got Yolanda. 

To get to know each other we asked various questions that we felt could benefit us. So for about an hour we were literally drafting thoughts and ideas. 

Section from my notebook

That evening we went away with the idea of N3, which was derived from us all having the letter "N" common in all three of our names, and that we are a group of 3.  From the beginning we felt that we each individually had a good bond and vibe, and could be explained as a chemical bond.  The fact that N3 sounded like a scientific chemical we researched into it only to find that this was in fact the periodic symbol for the chemical Azide (a transparent solution) which is formed from Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide.  This can also be turned into a solid and a gas when mixed with other chemicals. 

We set our self a specification in terms of the identity. 

1. To be N4

2. To contain our favourite individual colours (black, purple and green)

3. To use a font that is sharp, clean and dynamic

MINI TASK: POR-TRAIT (THIRD ATTEMPT) - experimenting

Self Portrait, (White Spray), Nadine Brown

Thought I do a couple more experimentations before picking the final to present, learnt a few techniques whilst doing this particular process, with regards to cutting the stencils out, the best way to spray the paints and blend the two slightly. 

Self Portrait, (Black Spray), Nadine Brown

Self Portrait, (Mixed Colours), Nadine Brown

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Quote by Paul Klee, Typographic layout Nadine Brown

This is such  a beautiful quote the words have such in depth meaning.   I like the fact that the  mirror  can show a resemblance of you but it is not the true you.  

MINI TASK: POR-TRAIT (SECOND ATTEMPT)

Self Portrait, Nadine Brown

This is currently the stage I am with my portrait.  I am going to apply and edit a few bits to complete it (and have a go with applying texts).  I like the intricate details I have created with the stencil, the depth and feel for dimension I have created with the limited colour palette and the smooth textured feel I have created with the spray paints.

MINI TASK: POR-TRAIT (FIRST ATTEMPT)

Self Portrait, Nadine Brown

Above is the first attempt of the stencil made for this project:

There are four layers to this particular stencil print.  As a first attempt this went exceptionally well, unfortunately I had a slight error with trying to make more of a depth, the darker blue makes me look like I have a beard.  

The use of a limited colour palette, has been selected on the basis of meaning and symbolism.  I chose to use a range of blues and a hint of white. 

Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.

Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquility and calmness. In heraldry, blue is used to symbolize piety and sincerity.

White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection.

White means safety, purity, and cleanliness. As opposed to black, white usually has a positive connotation. White can represent a successful beginning. In heraldry, white depicts faith and purity.

POR-TRAIT

noun /ˈpôrtrət/  /-ˌtrāt/  portraits, plural A painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, esp. one depicting only the face or head and shoulders

After the lecture on portraits I was given a set task to make a portrait of myself,  with a restriction of the biggest format being A3.

The first few thoughts that came to mind was to set up a scene and do a black and white print. 

Then I thought lets challenge the idea of a photograph.  I have always wanted to make a stencil, and my narrative/message would be hidden within the different layers, the limited colour palette and the facial expression.

INFLUENTIAL ARTISTS:

Obama Hope Stencil Collage on Paper,
Shepard Fairey, 2008

After reading 'Context And Narrative' by Maria Short, The idea of layout, structure and form for this particular task came rushing to mind.  

The limited colour palette is something that I feel makes the image have a lot of impact and depths.   There is a feel of life, due to the textured collage.

The one word "HOPE", is what brings the image into one, and they both have a strong impact visually. 

NEW PURCHASE: CONTEXT AND NARRATIVE, Maria Short 2011

Creative Photography 02: Context And Narrative, Maria Short

Recently brought this book, I think this is absolutely fantastic, a must have book for my course. 

The way the book is laid out, and self explanatory at the intro is very appealing, and a book I will definitely refer to not just for its contents but the aesthetic layout.

The aim of this book is to help photographers develop their approach to aesthetic language.

There are 6 key chapters:

1. The photograph 

Understanding the purposes of the photograph and how the context informs the onlooker

2. Subject 

Subject matter and its process in relation to the photograph

3. Audience

The intention and effect the photograph aims to have

4. Narrative

exploring techniques and ideas to translate the concept

5. Signs and Symbols

Meanings of objects, colours, etc

6. Text

Exploring the idea of text as a significant tool

CONSTRUCTION OF AN IDEA

The lecture was based on Portraits.  

I had a look at various portraits both post modern and contemporary, and realised that there are so many different meanings/codes/metaphors hidden within:

1. The Layout

2. Objects

3. Positioning

4. Colour

5. The Final Production (canvas, framed, etc)

Images which I looked at and analysed where:

Self Portrait, Francis Bacon, 1971

Look at the eyes (does not look at us) internalised - WHY?

Mask of the brushwork folds over the face.Story behind the image has a rich, raw humanity to the brush marks.Paint feels like flesh.

Queen Elizabeth II, Annie Leibovitz,  2007

Remarkable understanding of lines, colour, etc

Reference to metaphors - window and garden

Venus, Titian, 1538

Venus symbolises womanhood

Dog at the end of the bed 

Dog symbolises loyalty, fertility.

Grapes - WHY? is she holding it....Ripe fruit.

WHAT? is in the box?

You Take My Breath Away, Marc Quinn, 1992 

Trace of what we leave behind.

Looking into these images really got me thinking about messages and meanings.....

The question I was left with at the end of the Lecture was, 

"What is in your heart and soul"?

MY INTRO: for the MA Course.

Quote by Winston Churchill

Typographic Layout, Nadine Brown

http://issuu.com/nbrown88/docs/2011nadine_brown_ma_presentation_2011?mode=window

The link above is a link to the presentation I did on the 20th September 2011, as a way of Introduction to those I am on the course with. A quick insight to the presentation:

I thoroughly enjoy books and quotes and tend to always have a notebook and pen at hand to jot them down (which is very coherent through out my presentation).  I have a major passion for shoes and photography and print based design, and would love to develop this further.  I tend to work in a way that I have meanings and metaphors behind my work. 

I love experimentation and collaborations with others, and have been fortunate to collaborate with talented people on my previous course BA Hons in Graphic Design and Communication. 

My presentation went extremely well, and for once was not that nervous in talking to an audience, but was slightly at ease.

Listening others presentations I came across various authors, designers, theorists, to list a few that I have never come across before and will be aiming to look into them further this year.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Inspirational Video (Sir Ken Robinson)

This was shown to me in a lecture, and I love the way that this has been structured.  The points that are addressed in this video/talk is fantastic, exploring the importance of aesthetic senses, myths of ADHD, how we collaborate and getting people to understand the creativeness inside of them: A MUST WATCH!

CAMPFIRE: DITTO.TV

I came across  "Campfire," which is an event that runs every third Thursday of the month.  This is organised by Ditto.TV, for those who are interested http://www.ditto.tv/index.html 

Thursday 15th September 2011 they had Shane Walters, from onedotzero as a guest speaker.  Which was absolutely fantastic, this talk to place as a 15th year celebration of onedotzero.  Shane spoke about the starting production, right through to current exhibitions, people and other companies he has collaborated with and worked alongside and his future plans.  

Shanes' talk has really opened my eyes to what I want to achieve, and where I want to go with my career.  At the end of the talk I was lucky enough to take a picture with Shane, and with a friend who is also on the course with me. (it is not the best picture, actually the picture is terrible).

One particular event I am looking forward to attending is the motion festival 23rd Nov to 27th Nov 2011 at the British Film Institute.  This is a must for those who are inspired and love interactive moving image :) 

THE START: MA GRAPHICS & COMMUNICATIONS (PROFESSIONAL)

Thursday 15th September 2011 was the first day of attending my MA Course.  I have a very diverse range of people on my course, which I am very much looking forward to start working along side with.  The wide range of design backgrounds from which they have come from is inspirational and definitely an eye opener.

I met two of my tutors which from the start of their talks I was drawn into there sense of creativity, communication and interaction. 

As a person I have a thing for quotes and what people say.  I like to deconstruction the meaning.  Jamie Dobson and Damian Chapman left me with two key statements. 

I have put it into a typographic setting:

I think doing what you are passionate about and expressing your self and unique creativity is a key element in design.  Everything you do is your opportunity to shine and show what you can do. 

Damians' statement says it all, its straight forward and simple. EMOTION is the KEY.  I can only say the work I have created has always revolved around true emotions and experiences.