Tagged: research
promotional material
I particularly like the idea of creating an innovative takeaway as a form of physical promotion. After researching into creative business cards and printed matter, I’ve decided to create simplistic business cards that match my online identity and colour schemes. In terms of packaging, I was particularly inspired by this example of visual identity created by Swiss graphic design studio Badesaison for Metzg, a speciality butchery.
Their cohesive identity includes simplistic business cards in mini envelopes, notecards and paper, and matching food packaging. The themes of food I have incorporated into my current work mean I want to start thinking more about creative packaging as promotional material.
The Cook Book Zine by Olivia Park is a publication centred around food and cooking. Packaged in a small paper bag reminiscent of grocery, bakery or sweet shop bags, it features surprise inserts, for example, a small portioned bag of cereal. This made me think more about novel material and items I could use to create a ‘promo pack’ of sorts, if not now then in the future.
This ‘Box of Books’ by publishing press Tiny Splendor, consists of a screen printed pastry box holding 20 different mini zines by different artists. This could be an interesting way of presenting work, perhaps experimental pieces or mini projects as zines, and holding them collectively in a creative piece of packaging.
development of concept: food & fashion
In my tutorial with Vanessa today we went through my progress so far in terms of collecting submissions for FILLER, as well as my own content that I have begun to think about. We discussed how I have an interest in food photography and the discourse around food and diet trends, and how this translates well into fashion communication as the relationship between fashion and food is rather tenuous. This led me to consider how FILLER could focus exclusively on food and fashion, as it is a theme that appears in a lot of my research, inspiration and ideas, and also makes the zine personal to my interests (which is after all what a zine is all about). I also stated how people seem to be excited to engage with content surrounding food, as I received a lot of responses in my comfort food survey. I have therefore decided to work with this naturally emerging theme of food and tailor my call for submissions to focus more on food-related pieces, which has led me to feel a lot more excited about the development of the project, as a truly unique publication based around my personal interests but catering for the individual, forward-thinking reader that is still interested in trends, art and fashion.
initial portfolio research/inspiration
I began my research into online portfolios by taking a look at some that I find visually inspiring or pleasing, by artists and designers that I admire, to see what elements I could use (or should avoid) for my own website development.
Marleigh Culver is a graphic designer and illustrative artist, and her online portfolio showcases the combination of these two disciplines. Her website is simple but colourful, mirroring the use of bold colour, shapes and type in her work. It doesn’t feature any unnecessary details, animation or extra pages, simply a description of the artist and her work, and pieces separated by clients/projects. Her about page is a chance to see a more in depth description, list of contact points/social media platforms, experience, clients and features. Her descriptions are humorous, giving a personal insight into the artist’s personality and life, e.g. “SHE SPENDS MORE WEEKENDS OUT OF TOWN THAN AT HOME AND HAS AT LEAST FOUR PROJECTS HAPPENING AT ONCE. HER SINK IS ALWAYS ROTATING DISHES FROM A LABORED DINNER OR BAKING SITUATION AND HER PLANTS KEEP EACH OTHER COMPANY WITH HALF FINISHED PAINTINGS AND KNICK KNACKS FROM ANTIQUE MALLS,” which is a creative way for visitors to the website to feel like they know the artist a little more, and get to know about other interests/activities they engage in.
I’ve followed photographer Chloe Sheppard’s work for years on Instagram and through various publications, but had never taken the time to view her portfolio. It is very simple in design, splitting photographs into projects or clients and viewing them in a slideshow – however I feel the titles on the sidebar are a little confusing – it would be difficult to find a particular piece of work on the website. None of the type stands out to separate it from each other, or highlight particular works above others. However, I do like the dramatic landing page when you first reach the website. A full screen slideshow of images appears, allowing you to enter the full website. I think that having an eye-catching entrance to the website could be something I can take on board, but also to make sure the entire site is cohesive and one page isn’t more impressive or polished than the others.
I love Grace Miceli’s childlike, girlish and humorous illustrations, and so I was interested to see how this could be presented on a polished digital platform. Her website is bold and simple, reflecting the nature of her work. Her homepage consists of large images which show a heading when hovered over, which I like as headings can sometimes ruin the aesthetic impact of a page, so hiding them until hovered over is something I’d like to incorporate. Her about page contains a short bio and email address, but also shows a link to her Instagram and online shop to promote her other platforms. She has also included a CV, which is useful as this displays the large number of exhibitions and publications her work has been a part of (this has made me think about whether I will need a CV or not on my website – I feel it is only particularly useful once you have enough experience or exposure to showcase).
defining the market and readership
My tutorial today with Vanessa Marr encouraged me to think more about defining a definite image of a reader for FILLER…who I want to buy the magazine, and who I don’t want to target. As I want the content and tone of FILLER to differ from mainstream fashion magazines I need to have a clear idea of the attitudes and personality of the readers I am trying to attract.
I have therefore created an audience profile to help me target my magazine to the kind of person I want it to appeal to. I created a description of a reader that has the interests, academic background, hobbies, attitudes and style of what I imagine a typical FILLER reader would. This will help as the identity and content of my zine develops to keep it relevant to the target audience.
We also discussed how I want FILLER to be a project I continue even after the deadline of FMP, and how I could seek business and financial support to make this a publication to be sold and distributed. I would like to, if possible, explore funding options, for example crowdfunding and support from the careers service – to help me think of this project as a first step into my future career and help me stay motivated when developing the brand and promotion.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
My tutorial with Martha Harris yesterday encouraged me to think more about the desired aesthetics and design of my zine. As I am interested in exploring printing methods and book arts outside of my university studies we discussed print technique experimentations for example risograph and screen printing (or even creating that ‘look’ within the zine to resemble Xerox photocopied punk zines). Above is a call for submissions I posted across social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) , which we also discussed printing as a flyer or poster and distributing in shops and venues that target the same artistic or DIY scene that I am trying to attract.
I want to progress now by starting to look at layout and design inspiration, as well as possible paper stocks and colour as this will definitely influence the design of my magazine, and the way content appears or is presented.
brand identity and development with Teresa Havvas
T U T O R I A L : T E R E S A H A V V A S
My tutorial with brand consultant Teresa Havvas was particularly motivating and inspiring in thinking about what my project could become and where I want FILLER to go.
We discussed the existence of ‘feminist’ publications and decided to avoid categorising it as feminist/anti-fashion, and instead let it organically develop with things that inspire or interest me.
Feminist connotations I originally gave the word ‘filler’ can now also mean ‘filling’ the space in our heads/time. The publication could include powerful thinkpieces, not necessarily related to the ‘angry’ feminist discourse. We discussed the possibility of perhaps not putting out a call for submissions and instead focusing on the unknown, letting people be surprised by the content. Each issue could be a surprise in terms of theme, format, content and release date.
To progress with these ideas and allow my project to be a lot freer and organic in its development, I aim to take in everything around me that inspires me – visiting London to see more exhibitions as well as book stores to think about design, formatting and brand identity. I have a trip to Berlin coming up which will also be a great opportunity to collect inspiration (fashion, visual or otherwise) and allow me to collect research and ideas from different contexts and surroundings.
North: Fashioning Identity @ Somerset House
I visited the North: Fashioning Identity exhibition at Somerset House to collect ideas around how I can research within fashion and culture and curate a creative outcome. The exhibition was curated by Lou Stoppard and Adam Murray, and Lou Stoppard is a constant source of inspiration to me in the fashion journalism and curation world. The exhibition was a vast, detailed display of how the fashion and art industry has taken inspiration from the culture and history of the north of England.
The exhibition space was curated into sections that unpick different areas of how the North is depicted and drawn up – looking first at documentary and fashion photography throughout the ages that has featured recognisable symbols and stereotypes (architecture and landscape, ‘the quintessential Northern woman’ and the Northern family and lifestyle).
final major project: initial primary research
U S I N G A R T A S A C T I V I S M : C H E E R U P L U V
To start off my investigation, research and idea generation for my FMP I wanted to experience first-hand what creatives are doing to provoke thought and change with their work, focusing on the feminist debates I researched for my statement of intent. Cheer Up Luv is a photojournalism project I’ve followed for a while, by Brighton graduate Eliza Hatch. Hatch interviews women all over the country on their experiences of sexual harassment and pairs their story with 35mm-shot portrait, to create a collection of profiles of victims of public harassment. The collected stories are posted on @cheerupluv on Instagram as well as on the project’s website, cheerupluv.com.
I love the goal of this project to raise awareness and create a community of support and solidarity for victims. Cheer Up Luv is a great example of using art as activism. I am particularly interested in the use of photography, film and journalism to spread messages and provoke change through a creative output.
I feel people are more likely to pay attention and engage with a form of activism if it is inclusive and easily accessible, and presented in a visually pleasing/intriguing way. Using the internet and social media to spread the word and gain support and awareness is an increasingly successful and effective way that projects can gain popularity.
AD394: presentation
(notes from my presentation of work)
PART 1: Activism in Fashion Communication
I initially researched into trends and forecasting using Trendtablet and Li Edelkoort’s anti-fashion manifesto. I wanted to investigate something I haven’t explored in previous projects, and a lot of my personal work outside of university, and my internship (at Hi Cacti, a cactus concept shop in Brighton) was based around botanicals, plants and wellbeing so I decided to explore this trend further, looking at the appreciation of plants in all areas of our lives and living in harmony with nature.