Studio Brief 1: Interim crit

We were split into two groups and gave written critique to the other group who laid their work on tables. I like this style of crit, as I personally give more detailed feedback this way as opposed to in spoken crits. It's also really good to get so much feedback from a big group, as you can get a better overall idea of what the 'public' thinks of your work.
I gave feedback to 15-20 people, which was hard work but I gave critique on how good the concept of their ideas were, and how they could improve. Some people needed to do more detailed research. I found that it was easier to give feedback on actual digital mock ups of ideas, because its a lot clearer than sketches this way. I focused on people's weak points more than the strong points as I was limited for time and criticism is useful; compliments aren't. I found it useful even for myself to see everybody else's work, as it is refreshing and inspiring for my own work.
I laid out my sketchbook with my four concept ideas in it and wrote three questions:

1. What target audience is best for these ideas so I can develop them accordingly?
2. What concept is the strongest? Which could catch the eye of customers?
3. Should I stick to focusing on image or should I use type more effectively? (any particular typefaces)

Useful feedback for question 1:

• Embrace irony, I do like the cut outs. Your target audience seems teens/young adults who like a good ol cheeky joke.
• Maybe play on the cliche and subvert the classic image adding something weird or sinister but funny to traditional family photos.
• As you are doing a set of 3, you could make each one aim at a different market.

People mostly said that I should go for a target audience of young people that are around my age, judging from my concept ideas.

Useful feedback for question 2:

• The cut out/silhouette image are the strongest, you could look at adding actual cut out marks to indicate that they should fill the gap with their own images.
• The stickmen because it establishes an aesthetic and a jokey tone to match.
• I like the idea of media within the watercolour/paint with type. I think it depends on the target audience you are looking at as to whether it would work.
• I'm not sure people in general would be drawn towards the 'ironic' feel in the first page of frame backings? Could be considered slightly uncomfortable?
• I like the outline idea. It gives off the idea that you have to insert the memory.
• The outline idea is strong "insert your own scenery" almost or like its been left to be filled.
• First concept as it could be inspiring and motivational for the audience making them want to fill the blank spaces.

The concept with the outlines of images seemed to be the most popular judging from my feedback, and it is also my favourite. I feel like the other concepts may be too try-hard with irony.

Useful feedback for question 3:

• Image alone works well for these, the stick men could be great with more personality, or is the lack of personality the joke?
• I really think the image based one is strong and interesting. It definitely works at making an impact. Make it from layered coloured paper? Stick to flat, block colours.
• Focusing on not personalising the frame designs is good, it entices the buyer much more because they see the potential there. I'm not so sure about the heart in '6 x 4' design though, it seems fairly generic.
• Images work great by themselves. Extra text - something short and catchy could illustrate your point well.

Studio Brief 1: Further primary research

I looked on the Zara Home website to have a look at their photo frames. As seen below they are extremely simple in terms of the backing paper, which I really like. The colour scheme is anything but harsh, and suits all sorts of frame designs really well. They are designed to look very high-end but in reality they are sold at an affordable price.

Studio Brief 1: Research - paint

Below are some paint designs I have found, which I think could work in a plain frame... I'm opposed to certain plain designs that have dull colours, such as seen in my IKEA research. The frames are simple and basic so there is nothing to catch the customers attention from far away: which is why an artistic background may work.

Michael Manning

photo I took of paint

Castrophia by Chad Wys

This piece of artwork is brilliant, as there is an effective contrast between the messy paint strokes and the beautifully carved statue. It could be perceived as ironic, which is something I'd like to try out for this brief.

Studio Brief 1: Research - designs

I've looked into illustrations and artwork to gain inspiration for ideas on how I can use image within my designs. I want to play on the idea of cleverness and irony. I've also taken note of artwork that is within a frame, whether it be a window or just boxed in by something, at this is what a photo frame does.

Elliot Larson

This artwork is very simple but I think its relatively ironic, as the word 'NO' is made up of the word 'haha'; this is very contrasting and quite humorous... the hint of sarcasm is prominent, and only hits you when you look closer to read what the words are.

I couldn't find the artist of this work, but the framing of the branches is like a literal take on cliche nature photographs. I like the idea of taking something so often used and making it into a new concept.

I found this really pleasing piece of artwork, which inspires me in the way that it is a simple black and white illustration. In the sense of a frame backing design, it could reflect the generic family photographs and put a spin on it. 

Sara Wenokur

This sketchy illustration gave me a bit of inspiration. Its really simple but it is quite pleasing to look at.

Sigmar Polke

This artwork stuck out to me as it is in a window frame, which made me think of photo frames. I think it is beautifully made.

Studio Brief 1: Research - Urban Outfitters frames

I've taken a look at the designs of frame backing paper at Urban Outfitters. I don't like these designs personally; the colour schemes are very dull and they aren't eye catching in any way. This can be fine sometimes when the frame can speak for itself, but these ones are barely existent.
However, I like the 'UO HOME' logo that is apart of it, as its bold and clear.

Studio Brief 1: Research: Ikea

I looked at the frame backing paper used in the IKEA stores. I found their designs are extremely simple and cut to the chase. Image is only used occasionally on a small scale, and only to represent how the frame can be used for practicality. The colours are always as dull as possible, this is to avoid drawing too much attention as the frame has to capture attention first. The details come afterwards.
I dislike the amount of information used in IKEA's designs: surely the barcode and the other mostly useless info could be placed on a sticker on the back of the frame? Or on the other side of the paper so it cannot be seen on the store shelf. It gives a poor depiction of what the frame would look like in someone's home... nobody is going to buy the frame then use an image with colouring such as this.
Maybe using more photographic colours would make it more successful, however I do like the simplicity of it as it suits IKEA's image of straightforward-ness.

Studio Brief 1: Frame (photoshop) - Primary research

Today we were set our new module and our first brief, which is focused on designing 3 designs for backing paper in a photo frame.

I went to a handful of different shops:

1. Wilkinsons
2. Poundshop
3. Tk Maxx
4. Marks and Spencers
5. The White Company

I took photographs of many different photo frames.

Wilkinsons

The frame backings in Wilkinsons were very simplistic and dull, I didn't find any of them to my liking. However they are successful in the way that they do not distract from the frame design, which is the most important aesthetic when on a shop shelf. The frames are not fancy, they are very basic so the designs match in that sense quite well.

The colour schemes are uninspiring and cheap looking, but what can you expect from a 'bargain' store? I wasn't impressed by any of the type choices, again they shout CHEAP at the customer. "brighten up your space" is in a very ugly type which seems to be trying to give off an informal, friendly vibe but it is very offputting. The small body text is a little less offensive but still not to my liking.

Poundshop

I found some of the Poundshop backing papers more tasteful than Wilkinsons, as the text is smaller and doesn't dominate the whole frame. The first design is in the style of a fancy wallpaper, which suits the traditional-looking frame very well. The second design is very unsuccessful in my eyes, the photo is incredibly generic and dull. It seems very hard to pull off photographic designs.

All of the frames seemed to have the barcode on the backing designs, which shows the cheapness and it doesn't look great aesthetically; it lets the whole product down. 

Tk Maxx

 I liked a fair few designs that I came across, probably because the frames are more higher end, as the shop is generally made of big brands that have been reduced.
The designs that had images of people in them seem very fake and plastic, I think that they are always the least successful as they feel very forced.
The other designs I photographed seem to really match the frames they are in, the first two are quite fancy looking and the colour scheme is consistent. They seem to be trying to give off a high-end feel.
The third and fourth photoframes seem to be more creative and interesting looking, so the backing papers seem more colourful and arty, these are my favourites. They have a nice homely feel without trying too hard.

 Marks & Spencers

Marks & Spencers have very minimalistic themes for some of their frame backing paper, and it is consistent throughout the different types of frames. I'm really fond of these designs as they are straight to the point and very clear. It can be very hit and miss when using a lot of imagery so by avoiding this they have been quite successful, it is just the basic information needed. The colours suit the frames very well and it is all quite neutral and classic.

For the slightly more expensive frames, more detailed backing paper is used; the designs are trying to portray homeliness and a strong sense of stylish-ness. I really like the third design, the colours are calm and fresh looking, and the image is simple and suits the simplistic frame; they can't clash.

The White Company

The White Company is a very high-end homeware store, full of white and silver colour schemes. The frames are very clean and shiny looking, giving off a very expensive feel. All the backing images were photography of families, which may be a little cliche but the photos are very high quality and don't look cheesy or cheap like in other shops. They give realistic examples of what will be displayed in the frames. The details and measurements on each individual frame has been attached on a tag with a small bow, which I did not see in any of the other stores; this makes the frames even more like they are in a real home as the text isn't on the backing paper.

Lecture: Print

When something is printed it is seen as factual and true. Similar effects have been around since the age of cavemen, but as a practice began in east Asia and spread across the world. It is a form of communicating information: mass communication.
Definition: the process of reproducing text and image from one material to another using ink.

There are many different types of print; the possibility is endless. Some examples:

• screen print
• lino print
• printing press
• laser printing
• inkjet printing

Shephard Fairey took this print of wrestler Andre the Giant and turned it into his own iconic image for  his street art. In gaining recognition, it became the icon for OBEY, the clothing company.

Since this, he designed campaign posters for Obama in a similar style:

CoP Seminar - Task: A typeface I find interesting

American Typewriter was designed by Joel Kaden and Tony Stan. It was released in 1974. Its classifications are serif and slab serif, as the serifs are straight. It is an old-style font.

It was designed to imitate typewriters, which were invented in the 1860's. They used to be widely used in offices and by professional writers, but they were largely replaced by personal computers and word processors by the end of the 1980's. However in some eastern parts of the world the typewriter is still prominently used.

This font was made to instil a feeling of nostalgia as it was made many decades after typewriters were widely used. Vintage/retro styles are very popular in modern society, making this font highly successful and popular. It gives off a very simplistic feel, and seems to be very focused on serving its purpose of delivering information clearly. Beatrice Ward said "type well used is an invisible type", which I think in some aspects can be related to this font. Typewriters were created solely for laying out letters neatly so they were legible and readable when put together, so I think this font started off being an "invisible type", but now has more character and connotations of stylishness in this age.

Studio Brief 5: research

For some inspiration, I have looked at social and political campaign posters that have been released in the 21st century. 

Obama campaign poster, 2009

Campaign against homophobia, 2006

Both these posters are simplistic and effective. The colours used are very bold and striking; they are the first factors I notice, which draw me in to then read the text. Blue and red have strong connotations of politics, and they are gender neutral in today's society. Black and white have then been used because they contrast deeply.

Studio Brief 5: research

For some inspiration, I have looked at social and political campaign posters that have been released in the 21st century. 

Obama campaign poster, 2009

Campaign against homophobia, 2006

Both these posters are simplistic and effective. The colours used are very bold and striking; they are the first factors I notice, which draw me in to then read the text. Blue and red have strong connotations of politics, and they are gender neutral in today's society. Black and white have then been used because they contrast deeply.

Studio Brief 4: Islam's Response to Terrorism

The vast majority of Muslims see their religion as a religion of peace. I have read many justifications recently when terrorist attacks have come into light. But the sad part is that muslims should not have to justify or explain anything.
Below is an excerpt about Islam and dealing with terrorism.

Islam means the religion of peace. A person following Islam will find that he or she is surrounded by noble teachings, the aim of which is to establish peace between man and Allah, the Creator of all; between man and man; and between man and the rest of Allah’s creation.
How does such a religion deal with the issue of terrorism? And what does the word terrorist mean? Dictionaries will define a terrorist as one who systematically uses violence and intimidation to achieve political ends – or one who controls or forces others to do something by violence, fear or threats.
All these definitions are covered by two words in the Holy Qur’an, the sacred book of Islam: Fitnah and Ikrâh.
In the Holy Qur’an, God begins to deal with the issue of terrorism by teaching Muslims never to become terrorists in the first place. Two of the very first verses of our Holy Book say: ‘Al-Fitnatu ashad-du minal qatl’ – meaning that in the sight of Allah, ‘persecution, or making people constantly fear for their lives, is much worse than killing’. And also: ‘Lâ ikrâha fid-dîn’ – ‘There shall be no compulsion in religion’, that is to say, that no one has the right to force others into complying with their demands or compelling others to follow their line of thinking.
Allah Almighty warns the believers again and again that they should never abandon Him, the source of all goodness. Allah Almighty reminds us that it is those who have abandoned Him and thrown away all good, and divested themselves of every shred of human decency, that are the ones who will eventually resort to terrorizing others, forcing them into complying with their demands. The believers are repeatedly reminded that they would lose Allah Almighty’s love and His favors if they ever began to behave in that way.
But Islam does not content itself with these injunctions strongly forbidding Muslims from ever becoming terrorists. It also makes sure that the believers are made into highly moral, excellently behaved people, by inculcating those lofty human values that can turn them into people who sincerely love humankind without distinction of religion, race or social status. Islam no doubt encourages the logical and rational discussion of views with people of all creeds in a calm and dispassionate way, with the only aim that truth prevail over error and falsehood. But it also reminds us that it is error and falsehood as such that are to be hated and detested. The people who unfortunately hold on to error are never to be hated. That is why the motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is ‘Love for all, hatred for none.’
In Islam, an amazingly powerful emphasis is laid on developing love for mankind and on the vital importance of showing mercy and sympathy towards every creature of Allah Almighty, including human beings and animals. For indeed, love and true sympathy are the very antidote of terrorism.

http://www.alislam.org/response.html

CoP Seminar - Task: Semiotics

Someday by Justin Bieber is a female perfume targeted at young girls, most likely between ages 12-16. It earned $3 million in the first 3 weeks of being on sale at Macy's, showing the overwhelming impact Justin Bieber has on teenage girls.
Usually perfumes for men and women are marketed by beautiful models or celebrities that are the same gender; you're meant to want to become he or she, and the perfume will give you a hint of their sex appeal. However, for this perfume, a male pop star who is incredibly popular worldwide is used to entice girls into buying this scent. They are not going to smell like him, they are going to smell how Bieber wants girls to smell. This means that they will feel as if they are the kind of girl Justin wants... which is the dream of any fangirl of his. This is supported by the following quote from him:

“Let’s be real, the way a girl smells is very important to a guy!” Bieber told WWD in May. “I have such a deep connection with my fans, so creating a fragrance that I personally love is another way I can bring them closer to my world."

In this advertisement, Justin Bieber is the main selling point. He is looking at the camera with a sultry gaze, and a beautiful girl is leaning into him. She is representing whoever is going to wear the perfume.
The denotation of this is that a teenage girl is standing close to a teenage boy who is a famous popstar, but the connotations are depending on who is looking at the advertisement. Many people seem to have an extreme distaste for Justin Bieber, so they may look at this and laugh or think its ridiculous. Many feel he is girly or feminine which is seen as negative in a man in our society, and he is also seen as a threat to males; they are jealous of his power and all the attention he gets, which most of the time is sub-conscious. These people won't even think about buying it. Others who are fans of Bieber, will see this and immediately feel admiration for him: this is how the product has been sold so widely. Power is associated with Bieber as he is so sought after by millions of girls, and he has sold so many records.
Other connotations with this advertisement are to do with the colouring, the shades of purple are seen as very girly in our society, which is important in this advert as it has to appeal for girls whilst a male is the main subject.
It would be very hard to sell a female perfume while showing a male with no explanation; people would automatically think it was for males. The shape and design of the perfume bottle also helps that as it is very flower-like with pink and purple colouring, both connotations of the female gender.

Studio Brief 4: Research - 99.4% of terrorists aren't muslims

ISLAM is always mentioned in articles about terrorists and we all assume they are muslim before reading further. This form of discrimination is definitely prominent, and I have found statistics that show quite surprising results (when comparing with what we hear about in the media).

http://www.loonwatch.com/2010/01/terrorism-in-europe/

Islamist terrorism is still perceived as being the biggest threat worldwide, despite the fact that the EU only faced one Islamist terrorist attack in 2008.  This bomb attack took place in the UK…Separatist terrorism remains the terrorism area which affects the EU most. This includes Basque separatist terrorism in Spain and France, and Corsican terrorism in France…Past contacts between ETA and the FARC illustrate the fact that also separatist terrorist organizations seek cooperation partners outside the EU on the basis of common interests.  In the UK, dissident Irish republican groups, principally the RIRA and the CIRA, and other paramilitary groups may continue to engage in crime and violence.

The fact that only 0.4% of terrorist attacks in Europe have been Islamist seems totally disproportionate to what we hear about. Some may argue that most of this terrorism included in the statistic is harmless to humans, but I personally think terrorism is terrorism and that could easily be used as an excuse to have an outlet for hate towards religion.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE

So what? This doesn`t wash the hands of Islam clean anyway. Islam is still the most intolerant racist, homophobic mindcontrolling, manipulative, no rights to women, most dangerous sect this planet has ever seen in modern times and I hope and wish for a total ban of this nonsense worldwide a.s.a.p.

26 thumbs up  1 

thumb down

Here's an interesting tidbit. For that lone attack in Italy in 2009 a grand total of 110 Islamic terrorists were arrested as suspects. 89 were trialled.
In 2008 European countries managed to snag 187 suspected Islamic terrorists. While there were no reported terrorist attacks. Now, interestingly enough, the same year there were 190 verdicts in trials against Islamic terrorists.
Now, these figures may not mean much, but it sure looks like some really unfavorable treatment of Muslims. Granted it's not as if they're hauling Muslims away to camps or anything. It's just that it doesn't seem quite proportionate.

7  thumbs up

Not all Muslims are active terrorists. But all Muslims are supporters of terror. They have to be, because they are supporters of Muhammad and Koran.
And Muhammad was a vile terrorist who killed and raped hundreds of people.
He even killed 900 unarmed prisoners of war, the whole Jewish tribe of Bani Quraiza after they surrendered to him and asked for clemency. He sat there with his 12 years old "wife" and watched 900 men having their heads chopped off. The boys had to take their pants down, if they had pubic hear, then they were beheaded, if not, they became slaves.
After the slaughter, all the girls and young women were raped and became sex slaves. Muhammad, of course, got the prettiest girl, a teenager called Reyhana.
This is like in Germany, not all Nazis were murderers, but they all supported the murderer, Adolf Hitler.
Now I wonder if this outfit will publish my post. 

6  thumbs up  1 thumb down

•

COMMENTS ON AN ARTICLE

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/04/22/are-muslim-extremists-worse-than-extremists-of-other-faiths/

I agree that Christian extremists can be, and have been, a very dangerous faction of Christianity. But where many Christians vocally condemn their murderous brethren, I have never seen a current Muslim do so. As much as I hate the "they are not true Christians" rhetoric, I have never heard a Muslim say "they are not true Muslims." I knew a Muslim woman who, right after 9-11, would say nothing more than "we are a religion of peace." She never once condemned the fundamentalist faction of her religion for their crimes. Yes, they are worse.

• 
  

  "I have never seen a current Muslim do so."

  To hear, you have to listen. A 5 minute search on google will show hundreds of official and unofficial statements by Muslim individuals or groups condemning acts of terrorism.

  
  

  
  
  

Studio Brief 4: Google searches

To gather evidence that people are islamophobic across the globe, I typed some phrases into google to see what the suggestions were.

The results show clearly that there is a lot of ignorance towards religion, particularly Islam.

Studio Brief 4: Islam Converts and the prejudice they face

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/11/islam-converts-british-women-prejudice

My mother was disappointed and my father quietly accepting. Other members of my family felt betrayed.

- 

It can attract negative attention from people who stereotype "visibly" Muslim women as oppressed or terrorist. It can also get positive reactions from the Muslim community.

- 

My family were initially surprised, but accepted my conversion. After 9/11, however, my relationship with my sister-in-law changed and I am no longer welcome in their home. I have friends for whom my conversion is an accepted eccentricity, but I lost many superficial ones because of it. 

- 

When the German media found out, a negative press campaign followed and within no time my contract was terminated. It was the end of my entertainment career.

- 

When I converted, my father thought it was crazy, but he liked my husband; even so, he bought me a little flat so I "could always come back". My mother was shocked, horrified even.