Wk 6.2 Dropbox Trouble

I tried to hand in my final on Dropbox but it wouldn't work no matter how I formatted it. I made it medium (like it stated to hand it in) but it wouldn't work. 

I emailed my tutor Caroline and asked if it would effect my mark that it was late. She confirmed it wouldn't be a problem. I also send her a PDF of my final over email. Because it was too big to send, I had to send a smaller version -that is why that file is very low quality. (It was formatted as low rather than the specified medium). 

I hope this doesn't effect project.

Wk 6.2 Rationale

For my design process I wanted to experiment with different types of rhetoric. I used juxtaposition in all of my developments and in my final outcome. I used juxtaposition to highlight the message I wanted to portray. The Twitter styled birds nailed to the branches contrast drastically against the bird that is flying away free. They contrast visually in their shape, placement and also the scaling. This communicates to the audience the difference between being stuck in social media and being free of it and actually achieving things. 

I used real photos of different birds and put them into the Twitter logo cut out (in a subtle collage style) more of a strong visual effect in the design. This substitution and addition technique here enforces the idea that this is a real thing that happens: the real birds in the Twitter logo instead of the plain Twitter logo itself. This also achieves less of a flatter look than the unaltered Twitter logo also. 

I decided to go with a subtle textured and collage style for my poster design. This worked really well with the bird imagery and tied in excellently with the subtly textured background also. I used more of a modern font to highlight that this is a very modern day problem. 

I feel my final outcome has strong Ihi and Wehi because it visually engages the audience and makes you think about this important situation. It makes you feel like you want to change from the habits of social media (of constantly being online and addicted to it) and almost make you want to warn others about it or discuss the issue. 

Wk 6.2 Meaning to my Design

The large number of Twiiter birds nailed to the perch communicate to the audience that the majority of people on social media are addicted to it and find it very hard to just log off or delete their accounts. The nails are the peoples habits and are hard to break free from.  I thought having multiple rows of the Twitter birds would create a visually attractive pattern and rhythm.  

The bird that is flying away has broken free of their addiction to social media and have blossomed because of it. I choose that bird to have a different form to show it is not the same as the other birds (not the same as most people stuck on social media). I gave it a more visually attractive form with bigger wings to symbolize its freedom.

I wanted to communicate in this design that although it is hard to break free from habits, it is incredibly rewarding in the end and you will go much further. I also wanted to show that it can be done. 

Wk 6.2 Final Outcome

Final Poster

Making

I decided to make my poster themed with one colour, blue because of the association with the Twitter brand. I made the branches more wobbly to add more realism and gave the birds real feet also. 

The diagonal from the empty space where the bird used to be to the falling nails to the  free bird show visual flow and movement. This gives a nice juxtaposition with the still pattern of the static Twitter birds in rows.  

Wk 6.1 Homework

Trying out a New Style and Developing Further

Making

I had a go at making the new Twitter bird. I made it by combing different imagery of birds and them stamping them out into the Twitter logo. I was really afraid this wouldn't work but I feel it was actually quite successful. 

It looks creepy by itself but in a group it looks quite effective.

I think the style is getting there but the repetition of the same Twitter bird doesn't look right. So I decided to make more Twitter birds and also make the free bird in the same style. 

My next development (without the new free bird yet).

The new Twitter birds look a lot better and although I only created three different ones, I feel they work really well together.

Wk 6.1 One on Ones Again

More Feedback

Critique 

I showed Tom my progress and he really thinks I should have tried out the collage idea. I will research inspiration for that tonight and give it a go.

Tom said my free bird should be more different. A bright coloured bird with a big fancy tail like one from Africa apparently (I really don't know if I can pull this style off though...)

Wk 5.2 Homework

Developing Further

Making

I developed my work with subtle changes like making sure the colours worked well with each other and I also worked on the flow of the work. I changed the colour of the branches so they suited the design more and I also introduced two falling nails from the free bird that is flying away. 

In my other developments I experimented with more negative space and having a more simple approach. I did this by taking away the rows of birds and having one bird left on the one branch. I wanted to communicate the loneliness of being stuck in the social media world while other people are out there being free and actually doing something, achieving something. 

My last development I did was the same idea of introducing more negative space but not as drastically as the previous one. I wanted to keep the pattern and rhythm in the design because I felt it was stronger this way. 

I didn't do what Tom thought I should try out though. I didn't really know how to approach the idea of having real birds collaged into the Twitter bird logo so I avoided it all together. 

Wk 5.2 One on One

Feedback on Developments

Critique

After I showed Tom my developments I got a lot of feedback. We decided my final should only have three lines of Twitter birds too leave a lot of negative space where the free bird is flying. 

Tom also pointed out that there are too many different styles going on at the moment. The Twitter birds are very vector styled so the gradient and attempted 3D feel of the nails doesn't work with them. The wooden perches look to real. The wooden perches being copied and placed exactly the same way as the next one doesn't work well, as the unique elements in the wood show even know obviously that this was copied and pasted.

Tom also thought that the idea of using Twitter birds is too obvious. He was thinking I should use photos of real birds instead and Photoshop them blue to symbolize Twitter. But with this idea, I don't really know how I would make the free bird stand out anymore.

Wk 5.1 Homework

Developing my Concept Further

Making

I took on what Tom said and made more developments. Some are not good at all but it makes me think of better ways to make my ideas and process more effective and successful. 

First Development after feedback

I added real wooden perches for the Twitter birds and added some light textures into the work. I tried the idea of having a read bird as the free one but I feel it is way too different from the style of the rest of the poster.

Second Development

I tried a the silhouette approach but still with a detailed bird to differentiate from the Twitter birds. I also made the texture more subtle and lightened the top of the work to symbolise freedom more clearly. 

Third Development

I moved the bird over slightly here so the text would flow more evenly with it. You might not be able to tell but the text is in the centre of the page. It has a asymmetrical feel to it because of the placement of the free bird though.

Fourth Development

I thought I would also try out what it could look like without the free bird. I think this would make the target audience have to think more about the meaning of the poster -which I think is a good thing. (I am still worried that my work is a bit too obvious). 

Wk 5.1 Feedback

One on one with Tom

Define/Critique

I got feedback from Tom today about my later concept I did.

He pointed out I had forgotten to put the nailed feet in there (a crucial part of the design I had embarrassingly forgotten about). He said it looked to flat so I should experiment with textures. I should not let the repeating Twitter birds carry on all the way to the top. And I should put a real bird as the free bird to show it is completely different from the other Twitter birds.

Wk 5.1 Shared Moment

Shared Moment with the Photography Class

Define/Critique

We had five people work chosen from our class to show the Photography class and the vide versa with the Photography class (expect they only had three peoples work). Our class was first and they said what their work was about and we would all give them feedback. Then it was the Photography classes turn.

I felt like this benefited the people whose work it was but I didn't really get anything from it. I think it would have been more effective if everyone had to lay their work out and had a piece  of paper next to it where everyone would write some sort of feedback on it. That way everyone would get feedback rather than the strongest pieces of work in the class. 

Wk 4.2 Homework

Making my Development

Making

I started making this new idea in Photoshop but I realised it was harder to make look professional and as a final piece. 

The first mock up:

I don't even know what I was thinking about the colours here. I think this is just really poorly executed. Because of this first mock up, I was really put off the idea but I kept trying. 

Second mock up:

I feel the colours are better here as they relate more to Twitter. But the free bird at the top is awkward to look at and the way the patterns of the Twitter birds carry on behind the free bird gives mixed messages as well. I thought lightening the top of the composition would work but its didn't really do too much. 

I'll get Toms feedback next time. 

Wk 4.2 Part 2: Feedback

Advice on my concepts

Define/Ideate

I had another one on one with Tom and I got some really good feedback. He felt like the Twitter birds that were hanging by their feet upside down weren't as effective as the ones pinned and upright. This was because it looks like the birds are trying to fly away and be free too but they were stuck whereas the upside down ones looked like they gave up or were dead. 

So Tom and I discussed how we could use the pinning down idea in a more effective way. We came up with this rough plan. 

We decided it would be the right way up Twitter birds pinned down in a hen house type place and one spot would be empty where a single bird has flown away to be free (from social media). The free bird will be different looking to the Twitter birds. We think more realistic and perhaps in a different style. 

Wk 4.2 Part 1: Learning about Text

German Text Mainly..

Understand/Define

We had a lectorial on text. I thought the lectorial would be about how to effectively use text and what types of font etc to use. However this was a lecture just on the history of the German font Black Letter.

I felt like we didn't need to know the history of one font, especially a font that was implied at the end not to use because of its very heavy symbolism behind it (with the Nazis). 

Wk 4.1 Homework

Developing the strongest solution:

Making

I developed the concept that Tom thought was the strongest. I wanted to build on the breaking free concept and also enforce that the majority of birds were stuck in this one place. 

I came up with the idea of having the Twitter birds nailed to their perch and they cannot get away. 

I tried the experimenting with the cropping Ls and developed to this.

I liked the last one here because I feel the cropping brings all the attention to the middle and is hard to look away.

I experimented having a branch and not having one also. 

Wk 4.1 Interim Presentations

Group Presentation and Critique 

Understand/Define/Critique

We were split into groups of about four or five people and given prompts on how to critique each others work. We were  given bullet points on the whiteboard to cover and also cue cards with De Bono's Thinking Hats as well. These really helped with our discussions. I was the last person to show my work in my group and I only had about 3 minutes to discus my four concepts. This was really annoying and I feel like I missed out on some good feedback.

From the three minutes though I was told my concepts were a bit too obvious and quite literal (exactly what I was worried about) and that my ideas were good but I couldn't portray them strongly in the visual department. 

After this quick feedback we looked at the whole classes strongest works. This was very interesting and helped me have a fuller understanding of what I could do to improve my concepts. 

When this was over I talked to my tutor Tom and asked his advice about my four concepts. He said the same as my peer assessment group but also added that I had come up with good visual ideas that were clever but when asked, I couldn't say what my concepts were trying to say. I totally understood where he was coming from and I want to improve that. He chose this as my strongest concept out of the four:

There are some of the teachers scribbles on here from the discussion we had

So I have decided to develop this idea further for class tomorrow and hopefully I can get another one on one with Tom again. He is very helpful. 

Wk 3.2 Homework

Developing Concepts for Next weeks Interim Presentation

Making

For homework we had to create 4 more concepts rendered in sharpie pen on A3 sized paper. I found I struggled to find new ideas so some of my concepts were different takes on previous concepts. While making these, I found them to be too literal and not entirely clever or really engaging at all to my target audience. I am slightly worried that I am shooting and missing with my designs so far. 

I feel it is really helpful to get all of my ideas out onto paper even if they aren't good. It helps clear my mind and even find new and better ideas from the not so good ones. 

Wk 3.2 Lectorial

Visual Language: Colour, Composition, Style 

Understand/Define

We had a lectorial on colour, composition and style. We were shown examples of design and as a whole class we had to discuss these elements of each work. This helped me understand more fully how colour, composition and style work and how they can portray certain meanings when used successfully. 

Wk 3.2 Thinking Hats

Studio Time

Ideate

In class we learnt about De Bono’s ‘Thinking Hats’ and what coloured hat means what. We were put into groups and given the topic of 'Sugar Free Jellybeans' and our coloured hat was black. Black means logical, cautious and pessimistic. So we had to come up with ideas about this product. We presented our ideas to the class in character also. 

Using this method of looking at things is interesting and really helpful to help think of new ideas. I feel I will definitely use this method in the future for this subject and others also. 

Wk 3.1 Homework

Idea Generation

Making

For homework we had to come up with more concepts. I feel like my concepts so far are too literal. I try to get symbolism in there and a deeper meaning but I feel like I am struggling with that at the moment. However it is good for me to get all my ideas out there visually. 

Wk 3.1: Power of Words: Part Two

Ideation Workshop: Random Input

Making

For this activity we had to take one of our recent concepts and put a new caption underneath it. First with only three words then with as many as you wanted as long as it was still short. 

Original Concept 

I found it quite cool that with just changing the text underneath your concept, it can change the whole message. I wanted to keep all of them con because that is what my final outcome will be. All them in the end try to communicate that the person on social media is really alone. 

Wk 3.1 Power of Words

Critique & Word + Image

Understand/Critique

As a class group we all discussed and critiqued our examples of VCD that show a good use of visual rhetoric, making the familiar unfamiliar, and image combination and manipulation. My tutor Caroline liked one of my found images and used it as an example to the class. 

We then split up into pairs and critiqued each others concepts we completed for homework. According to my partner most of my concepts were strong but some were hard to understand without an explanation.  

The one of the left is has too many ideas in one design and the second concept got the general idea across but my partner didn't understand why the footprint stopped after the Facebook man. She said I could improve this by having a path for all three people so it was clearer. 

Wk 2.2 Homework

Examples of VCD & Idea Generation

Understand/Ideate/Making/Critique 

For our independent study this week we had to find examples of VCD that use visual rhetoric, making the familiar unfamiliar, and image combination and manipulation. At first I found it hard to find examples but then after I knew how to word it in Google, It came quite easily. 

After researching we had to generate more ideas. 

I feel like the majority of my ideas are rather depressing and I need to step away from such a dark view on the topic. Some of my ideas here are stronger than others but all could do with improvement. However getting my ideas down visually really helps me come up with more ideas. 

Wk 2:2 Lectorial, Critique, Cropping & Substitution

Making the Familiar, Familiar

Understand/Ideate/Making/Critique

We started off in groups critiquing our solutions using visual rhetoric for homework. One of my solutions was aimed to be a pro but with a discussion with my group, we changed it to con.

From Pro to Negative

Con

Con, right changed from pro to con

Pro

In the same groups as before we were given a kitchen item. We had to come up with ways it could be used (even if they were ridiculous or unrealistic). 

By ourselves we had to use our cropping L's to crop and redraw imagery from our mind maps we created in a previous class. I found this challenging as most of my imagery was screen shots from social media sites. 

As a class we were then shown different symbols and had to say what the represented by themselves then what they meant when they were put with other symbols. This showed me how powerful it can be just by putting two different images together. 

Wk 2.1 Homework

Creating Solutions using Visual Rhetoric

Ideate/Making

We had to create at least 6 solutions (three pro, three con) using visual rhetoric. I feel I had good ideas for cons but struggled with pros. This definitely finalised my decision for taking the con Social Media stance. 

The process took a long time but I feel a got some good ideas out there. 

Wk 2:1 Visual Examples & Visual Matrix

Analysing Design & Group Mind Maps 

Understand/Ideate

We looked at strong examples of design and were taught about Rhetoric Analysis. We also went over Ihi and Wehi which is what I really wanted to go over.

We were split into groups of 2-3 people and made a mind map with our collected visual research. We organised the information using rhetoric design elements. 

Brainstorm made in class

Wk 1:2 Brainstorming More and Debating

I am glad I wasn't chosen to speak

Understand

We were divided into new groups and given one of the three project topics to brainstorm about. My group was given Megastores (Pro). After that we would vote on three students in our group to debate against the other group with Megastores (Con). All the debaters were very professional and I was convinced with both sides. However my team lost the debate. 

We had to do some more research and divide it into groups. I feel like my research is just repeating itself. For homework we have to make mind maps and pick pictures relating to our topic. I feel there is only so many ways to write the same thing in a different way or put it into different groups. 

Wk 1:2 Brainstorming our chosen Topics

I picked the wrong topic..

Understand

We were spilt into groups with people who had the same chosen topic as us. I chose to research further into Voting but while we were in groups discussing what we came up with and getting more ideas off each other, I felt that I had a whole lot of research of my topic but I didn't fully understand anything about the government or voting. I would feel more confident choosing a topic I could easily relate to and experience first hand. I have chosen Social Media as my topic. I am looking forward to researching this topic more and finding out more interesting and surprising statistics.

Wk 1:1 Introduction to 222.258 Part 2

Introduction to Ihi and Wehi

Understand

We were introduced to the Maori  words "Ihi" and "Wehi". We were told it will play a large part in this project and to try make our work relate to these words. In class I felt I understood these terms and I can definitely see how these are relevant in this particular project. However as soon as we were sent to complete our research for homework, I couldn't remember what Ihi meant. I looked it up in the brief.

"Ihi and wehi are complementary terms associated with emotional and psychological behaviour. Ihi can be described as an individual’s essential force, charisma, power or charm – which emanates throughout the creative process. Wehi, on the other hand, highlights the internalised feelings that occur in response to ihi. Sometimes the terms dread or awe are commonly used to describe wehi. In this context, wehi is taken to mean the emotional response on the part of the viewer.

How does your work make you feel? How does the work of others make you feel? What effects, intentional or unintentional, does it provoke or generate? What energy or resonance does your work have for others?"

Although I read this I was still confused as to what Ihi was. I researched Voting and Social Media because I am still wondering what topic to pick. 

Wk 1:1 Introduction to 222.258

Introduction to Voting, Social Media and Megastores 

Understanding 

Today we had an introduction to our brief. We have to create an A2 poster either on the topics of Voting (for or against), is social media media really social and Mega stores (how they effect smaller businesses and the community. We got shown video examples of each topic on different views and opinions of the topics. 

Before we watched the videos I thought I would go with the Social Media idea but after watching Russell Brands interview on BBC, I decided to go with the topic Voting. However I am not sure if I will be for or against.