Inspiration - Matt Booth

I've found a brilliant designer called Matt Booth who creates details illustrations using only shapes. These illustrations are so creative and look amazing! Experimental design isn't something that has interested me in the past but after seeing these designs, its definitely something I want to try in the future.

 

IKEA Placement - Week 4

I was given a huge scale graphics project to be displayed in the sofa bed section of the store. They wanted a more appealing visual that would inform the customer of the department they were on and hopefully increase sales. My measurements for the two walls were: 145x860cm and 172x664cm.
It was a great feeling to see something I’d produced (even if it wasn't massively creative) out in the eye of the public and overall I was pleased with the outcome

 

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Experiencing the brand - Gibside Visit

After being advised by the D&AD Pencil Panel to get out their and experience the brand, myself Katie and Anthony decided to visit local National Trust site, Gibside Hall. We had a brilliant day and enjoyed the fresh air; the day out was something totally different to the hustle and bustle of Newcastle. From this visit, I felt like I gained a deeper understanding of the Trust and felt a real connection with the beauty of the place. It really opened my eyes to the fact that the NT offer so much more than a historic site.

IKEA Placement - Week 3

I got to design some banners as part of the stores communication graphics for customers. IKEA has its own stock photography supply, so I used these and had to consider the layout and information for the banner. These were then displayed in the wardrobe section of the store.

I was also introduced to system text and vinyl printing, which is used a lot throughout the store. I got to experience the whole process, from computer, to print, to laminate, to wall. I found it really interesting learning about vinyl and enjoyed being a part of the whole process. I’m learning that being an IKEA employee is hands on and its great to get out and about around the store, helping with the DIY and putting up displays. I’m not confined to a desk all day.

IKEA Placement - Week 1 / 2

Well technically it's week 2, but last week I was just meeting the team and having a look around. This week I had to have a proper employee induction with other new starters. This gave me the chance to learn about the history behind IKEA and the companies values and commitments. We also took part in some team building exercises, which were a bit strange but good fun.

"IKEA has a strong and well-developed graphic language. It is the role of graphic design to safeguard this, and use our well-established communication concepts to help customers navigate easily around the store. Graphic designers are responsible for all the store’s communications needs –explaining how to shop, advertising the restaurant etc."

D&AD Live Brief

As part of my alternative techniques module, I will be completing a live brief from the D&AD New Blood Awards 2014. This will give me the opportunity to learn more about competition work and how this differs from everyday client briefs.

The brief I have chosen is from The National Trust: Reconnect our relationship with nature and beauty. I have chosen an advertising brief as this is something I am unfamiliar with and will allow me to build and develop alternative techniques within design.

I've written a SWOT analysis for this module:
Strengths: I am good at adapting my research to fit the clients requirements, so looking into competition briefs will be something new to learn about.
Weaknesses: Advertising is an aspect of design I am unfamiliar with so I will need to work hard to understand the techniques and skills behind this.
Opportunities: Working on a D&AD competition brief gives me the opportunity to collaborate with other creative to produce a final outcome. This will give me the experience of working as part of a team, sharing thoughts and ideas and skills to create a strong outcome for the brief.
Threats: Time. Because I will be working as part a team, we will be limited in the amount of time spent together (due to work commitments, etc)