OUDG404// Large Publication 01

Interpretation of the brief and Aims //

As this brief asks us to produce a book containing a minimum of 10 double page spreads, I want to investigate something personal to myself, ideally combining an interest and new design style. To me this is the first brief giving us true creative freedom, I don't want to miss out on this opportunity and produce a boring publication. I intend to do something slightly unconventional, ideally involving collaborative practice and investigating ways to interact the viewer. As production is not a huge strength of mine, when the time comes to resolve an outcome I want to push what I already know to produce a well-bound and structured outcome. Regardless of subject content, I intend to follow the design principles we have learnt so far, incorporating a grid to provide a clean and structured layout, whilst improving my InDesign skills.

After concluding my second publication for Design Principles would be a look book/style file, I chose to collaborate with a photographer attaining a higher professional element. All photo's shot by Claire McClean, BA (hons) Photography, whilst subtly art directed and selected by myself.

Research //

Using a muted colour scheme to create a range of compositions. The overlay of image and text works in harmony and looks like it belongs on the page, whilst not disturbing the compositional elements going on. Technically this would be a postmodern style trait if one followed the 'Form Follows Function' rule to the tee, yet the use of white space and simplistic images conveys a Scandinavian tone, thus re-relating to modernist design principles. (?) 

Incorporating key colours to create an unusual and unconventional layout. This cover design by Shelby White perfectly articulates the break down of genre conventions we can experiment with as 21st century designers. This cover technically goes against the rules of modernism with it's centre alignment and harsh colour contrast. However, the sleek San-Serif and two colour structure maintains an elegant quality, suggesting this publication would be targeted at a wealthier demographic, aided by the sleek tailoring in the photograph.

The additional sleeve idea introduces a textural quality to the publication, adding a curiosity hopefully desirable when viewed on a book shelf. The contrast of a pastel'd colour with black and white photography communicates a crisp design style, proving to be a timeless combination. The peach shade suggests a feminine undertone, juxtaposing with the crisp geometric typography and architectural structure. This could be an idea to pursue for my own look book, the concept needs to apply for both genders and subsequently not be too heavy on any stereotypical female/masculine colours. I feel the combination of industrially and femininity creates a very trendy gender neutrality, an aspect I definitely want to pursue.

Lookbook Shots //

This is day 01 of taking photos of people, 01/03/16 12-1pm. When taking the shots, we were stopping individuals and people asking what we were doing, getting the name and course of everybody photographed. I have tried to incorporate all aspects of fashion and the personality it showcases.

We will take more photographs tomorrow (02/03/16), as well as Friday 04/03/16 and next Monday, Wednesday, Friday (7th, 9th and 11 March).

Possible spreads with current images //

More shots //

Unfortunately Claire (the photographer) and I have had to cut down on the quantity of photoshoots possible. Due to working with specialist timetabling issues have become a huge problem, with us very rarely sharing free time within the hours of 9 and 3:30pm. I had intended to include the Vernon Street campus within the outfit selection, yet this has proven to be logistically too complicated considering the Photography timetable and workload.

I have found asking people for their photo the biggest challenge so far. Fortunately the majority of people were fine about it, yet some did decline or say it wasn't possible to put online etc. It was understandable that some people would be adverse to having their photograph taken, yet I feel I need to prepare myself for more of it in the future, especially if I broadened projects to full street style.

Looking back I wish I had been more confident and asked people as soon we saw them, rather than trying to catch them on their own/not sat in a large group. In addition, many funky outfits were visible in class rooms, yet Claire at the time I didn't really want to bother them, yet looking back I regret this decision.

Possible layout sketches //

I want to experiment with a range of layouts to create an energetic and unfluid compositional arrangement, yet in a sequential way that they all work together and can be easily adaptable so not looking out of place. To aid any busy compositional pages I intend to use a simplistic typeface, ideally not detracting from the photographs on the page. I hope this sporadic layout intrigues the viewer and adds a diverse twist.