EVALUATION- ougd202

Overall, I am really pleased with my animations and my packaging.

There are, however, still a few changes that I would like to make that would improve the product.

I think that I should have done more storyboards, as I found it helped a lot in the previous ‘silent movie’ project. But I found it difficult to decide where to begin with a 50 second animation and I decided to draw up small sequences that I could put together to create the title sequence. 

At the beginning of the module, I had never used after effects or done any kind of animation.

I took to after effects quite well, and was able to do the basic rotating of images, scaling and changing opacity.

When I started to do the idents and title sequence, I had more layers in after effects. Grouping the layers together using colour really helped and saved me a lot of time.

I also made use of the parenting technique that was shown to us, as my layers had to move at the same time to the same place.

I think the subject I chose was difficult not to make too 'animatey', and I was very conscious of this, but I feel that my animations aren't too animated and has a good balance.

I did have quite a few problems with saving my work, with files going missing and also my USB stick wasn’t working properly, which didn’t help.

To make sure this didn’t happen again, I got another USB stick and made files within, that was just for after effects, which I found made life much easier and I didn’t have anymore problems with losing files.

For my packaging, I decided that I wanted it to look like a comic book. I measured a comic and made my DVD case the same size. I really like how it looks all in all, but the crafting of it could be much better, if I had been more organised and left myself more time.

I made a bad decision to use PVA glue to stick the back cover onto my 'comic' and it's made the surface crinkly. If I was to do it again, I would use spray mount.

I would have liked to experiment more with the layout and colour of my packaging, to see what would have worked better.

The plastic sleeve makes the 'comic' look more like a collectables item and that is how it would be seen, if it was out in store.

The images that I used in my animation changed a lot from my original idea. If I was doing this project again, I would like to look at using the illustrated images and change my audience back to 18+. I think that the animation would look much different to my final pieces.

From working in group crits, I have made adjustments to my layout and animation. I feel that I have got a lot out of this module, for example, I have improved with my organisation of layers in illustrator/photoshop/after effects and saving my work in a sufficient way. 

I really enjoyed doing motion graphics, and I hope that I will be able to use this again soon. 

DESIGNERS & COMPANIES:

Thinking Juice

[notes]

Tel: 01202 294 114

01202 294 115

ideas@thinkingjuice.co.uk

The Design Studios

The Design Studios Ltd

249 Alcester Road South
Kings Heath
Birmingham
B14 6DT

t  0121 444 0225
f  0121 444 4868
e  info@thedesignstudiosltd.com

New business enquiries
John Rajasingam: 07710162189john@thedesignstudiosltd.com

Studio:
Nick or Mara: 0121 444 0225nick@thedesignstudiosltd.com
mara@thedesignstudiosltd.com

Accounts:
Liz: 07739191588liz@thedesignstudiosltd.com

Design portfolio:info@thedesignstudiosltd.com

[NOTES]

CUBE³

56 Princess Street
Manchester
M1 6HS
UK+44 (0)161 660 3185info@cube3marketing.com

[NOTES]

Richard Mellor


Friend of mine that I met in Wetherby..
 [NOTES]




Richard P Chapman

DESIGN STUDIOS:

[images of design places im interested in]

EVALUATION- what is good?

Evaluation for boards:

I am really disappointed with my boards, as they didn't print out how I imagined. On screen, the images looked good, not dark or pixelated.

If I has enough money, I would print out again to change this, and also, there are a few spaces that don't look right.. these could somehow be filled with a line or pattern...

Evaluation for Packaging:

I am really pleased with my idea, and I like how unusual the packaging is.

I think I managed to experiment with the packaging, adding the ring and labels to develop it, however, I'm not particularly happy with the quality.

I wasn't able to print the packaging at digital print, so I stuck the design onto card, which didn't work out as planned, as it didn't fold properly, creased a lot and the paper came off the card.

I wanted to work more with stock, to find a material that worked best. I also needed a stock that was 'weaker' than the ring around the packaging, to make sure it stayed closed.

There are a few things I would like to add to improve the package now I have made them:

- Score where the points will be folded down.

- Add cuts to the packaging, which will hold the rings in place.

- I wanted a 'window' in the package, so you can see inside, I didn't manage to add this in, but it would be good to experiment with this.

I wanted to make some packaging for the products that are going to be sold in multi-packs. I found the type of package I wanted, but I ran out of time to design and make one. I need to be more organised with my time and make a list of what i need to do- set targets!

What do I want to achieve..

INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE

1.

- A look into working in the 'real world.'

- Studios

- Printers

2.

- What it is like working in a 'real' environment.

- How the place works. What people do to keep the place up and running.

3.

4. 

- Packaging

- Layout

- Typography

- Animation

5.

- REAL WORLD

- Not being able to keep up with the pace.

PPD & ENTERPRISE

• Digital
• Retail Industry
• Music Industry
• Television

Skills I have: 


- Patient
- Punctual
- Experimental
- Critical


What I like: Illustrator, Motion Graphics, Clever packaging, A nice typeface, Colour, illustrations and just things that make me go..'oooh.'


What I don't like: Not keen on photoshop or Quark Xpress...

Skills needed and skills I want to develop:


- Drawing
- Organisation
- Confidence


My interests seem to change every time we start a new module, but I know I would like to work in a creative group..
I like music, motion graphics.. maybe something in this field.
Or maybe something with packaging..
I would like to experience working in a large design agency and small. 


Place:


I would like to stay around yorkshire for the time being, but I think it would be nice to travel a bit afterwards.. hopefully keep moving on bigger and better things.


And hopefully, I will get to the point where I could work from home..


Promotion:


There are quite a few ways I could do this.. People I already know, word of mouth.. to their friends and family etc..
Radio, TV, Magazines..


I think I need to work on my confidence and speaking about myself to others better, to promote myself better.


Product:


What I have to offer:
- Listener
- Ideas
- Creative thinking
- Skills in Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, Quark, Dreamweaver


Price:


... Well..

As I would like to stay pretty local for the time being, then my clients would be from around the same area.. hopefully my name will get 'OUT THERE' and others will hear of me and client group will grow from there..


Local: 


Punch creative, Leeds


Leeds would be my local place to work, as it is the nearest city to me. One of the places I have picked out is 'Punch Creative'...
The website doesn't really say much about the company.. however, what I have found out, is that they care a lot about clients. They communicate in terms that are easy to understand, and find solutions to projects, no matter what the cost budget is.


National: 


Collaborative Thought, Cornwall
YCN, London


Collaborative Thought is a small design studio, based in Truro, Cornwall. Because they are a small company, this means they are able to talk to clients face to face, so they are able to say exactly what they want. Also, the studio is a friendly environment, that won't overwhelm the client when they come.. 


European:


Sebastian Onufszak, Germany
Nano Torres, Spain


This company has a large client list for large corporate business'. The services they give are mainly motion and illustrative. They have a lot of work that is featured in many books and magazines, such as IdN, Print magazine and Digital Arts.
The website gives a lot of information about Sebastian and the experience he has gained from starting up his own business to where he has worked after..
The website has lots of work showing a range of projects, which would be very useful for clients to see.


Transnational:


Pen pencil stencil, Oakland, Calafornia


Again, there is a bit of information about the founder, Mark Giglio.
From looking at some of the work they produce, scrap wood is used, which would be a strength.. I think recycling materials would be a very good thing to do, especially with the current 'BE GREEN' thinking.


Collaborative Thinking, Cornwall

The team at Collaborative Thinking has at least 10 years experience working in a range of industries.
They emphasis that they have a close relationship with the clients, whatever their location.
Their studio is by the sea in Truro, which would be AMAZING.
I think that this location would be nice for clients, if they come to visit.

I haven't needed to promote myself before, only by first impression interviews and CVs.. however, to promote yourself, you need something that everyone will see. Maybe a website/blog.. but how will people know to go there?

There will have to be a range of promotions out there so people will see something..

Maybe it could be something that is like a puzzle.. and when you put all 3 promotions together, it cleverly comes up with my name and website etc.. I dunno..

I am not a great person on the phone, and I'm quite a shy person before getting to know me.. I need to get over it!! Get some confidence and make the client feel safe in my hands..

If the phone fails, there's always the traditional meeting up with someone and having a chat, a coffee and just chatting. 

Mail Shot: Find the target audience and mail something funny/clever/witty.. something that stands out and makes people remember who you are. There would also be additional information in the mail shot, directing the person to website/blog etc.

Strengths and Weaknesses of 3 design agencies: 

Punch Creative:

I have looked at the website, and it doesn't show their web or video designs. It shows all the print work they have done, but it would be good to see more..

S = Collaborate with other teams to produce 'quick cost effective and creative ideas..'

W= I have been on their website before, but for a while now, they have been rebuilding the website. This maybe a weakness, as a website is one of the main areas that potential clients would look at to see work.. however, they have put contact information if anyone does need to get in contact.

O= They are only a small agency, so larger studios, with more clients may find a business opportunity in leeds. However, I don't think that Punch Creatives's clients will change, because of the close relationship.

T= Larger studios may be a threat to punch, as they may be able to take on more jobs, as there are more employees, and may offer more services, compared to Punch Creative.

Ahoy creative design

S= Effective marketing. The studio is a converted three storey house, which I think would make the clients feel very welcome and at home. Also, the house isn't far from the city centre. they have free parking for clients, and there are cafes and bars close by, very convenient.

W= Honestly cannot see any weaknesses..

O= 

T=The only threat really is that Manchester has a lot of design studio's about, and they all have similar services, however, looking at the website, they seem to be a strong group of people with lots of passion for design.

Someone else:

S=

W=

O=

T=

10 short, but informative statements.

1. I would like to be a designer that has a range of skills, particularly in type, web/motion graphics and branding. There are many graphic design studios/agencies that offer these services.

2. I like working in groups, where ideas bounce around the table. More heads are better than one. There are a few agencies that collaborate together, which would mean

3. I would like to look at publication/spreads as well, get an idea of how to go about laying out information.

4. Like Punch Creative, I would like to have a close relationship with the clients, as this would make the client feel more relaxed and I think it would make the projects much easier and enjoyable when the client is more a 'friend'.

5. Like Sebastian Onufszlak and Mark Giglio, they started out by starting their own business and gaining experience in different industries. However, I do not want to become corporate and stay commercial.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.