I hope you all have a great holiday season and happy new year!
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Happy Holidays!
To those classmates that went to lunch today, I had a great afternoon talking and just hanging out with all of you. To those of you that didn't get to come along I am sorry that you missed it and hope you can make the next get together. I hope we can all spend more time together outside of class. I found today very inspiring hearing more about each person and all of our lives away from the classroom.
I hope you all have a great holiday season and happy new year!
I hope you all have a great holiday season and happy new year!
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
A helpful meeting
This morning I met with Graham Smith from Evolve Creative Limited. The meeting went very well. We talked about setting up work for print and some design tips. I talked with him about my project and the printing process I went through. I asked him about his past work history in the design field as well as his current position as head designer at Evolve Creative Limited.
He let me know if I needed any help with my future projects to contact him and I could come back to see him. He was very kind and most helpful.
I hope to go back to talk to Babu Datta, the Creative Director. He does a great deal of the business end of the company. Knowing i will be working on a business plan I think speaking to him I can get some really good information. He was not there today, but I will keep in contact with him.
I also have an appointment with Clare Brass with SEED Foundation Social Environmental Enterprise. Jonathon Porritt was helpful to contact her for me and she is going to meet me this Friday, 12 December.
He let me know if I needed any help with my future projects to contact him and I could come back to see him. He was very kind and most helpful.
I hope to go back to talk to Babu Datta, the Creative Director. He does a great deal of the business end of the company. Knowing i will be working on a business plan I think speaking to him I can get some really good information. He was not there today, but I will keep in contact with him.
I also have an appointment with Clare Brass with SEED Foundation Social Environmental Enterprise. Jonathon Porritt was helpful to contact her for me and she is going to meet me this Friday, 12 December.
A hunt for treasure on a lovely Saturday morning
Last weekend my roommate told me about a vintage clothing sale on Saturday. She said people basicaly pay £20.00, get a bag and fill it up with whatever vintage clothing they can get inside. I thought that was brilliant. For a few pounds really I can come home with a whole bag of goodies!
We got there a bit late I would have to say...about 9:30 a.m.
By the time we made our way to the end of the line, we had walked three city blocks.
I decided at that point I didn't need clothes that badly and headed back home empty handed.
My roommate stayed behind to wait in line. She later told me she ended up waiting over two hours, paid her money and didn't get a lot of clothing. She said she would be willing to do it again if she could get there really early in the morning.
I thought it was wonderful that all those individuals were willing to wait in line for over two hours to get second use clothing!
On my way home I did stop at my local second-hand shop. I found a nice little hooded jacket for £2.50 and an Oxford dictionary for £1.50! Happy days!
Sunday, 7 December 2008
A trip through baker Street Station for a bit of inspiration...
For some reason I cannot get this any smaller to view, but just click on the image and it will open in another window to view.
Pennington, Mary Anne
University of Westminster, Harrow UK
MA Design For Communications
Design for Elegant Frugality, Sustainable Graphic Design
Reflecting back on my project I am more aware of my strengths and weaknesses in my research and design process.
I chose my design brief and obtained the background information and time limits. I began examining the brief. I defined the subject matter and went on the various sites listed on my brief to find more specific information about my project. I contacted several companies and resources that were listed on the brief for more information. I researched the competition in the area of this design as well as where the need was for this communication solution. I started asking questions in every place that might have answers.
I found it most helpful to ask as many questions as possible about my subject matter. The more people I contacted, the more helpful advice I received. I was able to gather a vast amount of data on my subject from the resources and companies listed on my design brief.
I feel I was strong in gathering enough information needed to move further in my project. The resources were there and as long as I was willing to look for them and ask for help I received the information needed.
There was great importance in my using my team collaboration (classmates, instructors and friends) for advice along the way. My ability to be flexible and open minded played a role in working through my research and design process. When I realized my project might go in another direction or the information changed, my project changed with it. I allowed it to do so instead of fighting it or letting my own opinions get in the way. I questioned my direction and the information I gathered often, which kept me on track as well.
I gathered an ample amount of data in my secondary research. I researched different routes and tasks to ensure I had adequate data on my subject matter. I interviewed roommates, school employees, housing faculty, classmates, family members and instructors about my work in order to get feed back. I came up with several ideas and concepts, which I then had to break apart and question the effectiveness in communicating my message.
I feel I spent a sufficient amount of time researching different areas of frugality and sustainability. I did get caught up in a vast amount of different ideas and it took me quite some time to find my actual means to which I would communicate the best solution. I did go back to my brief often to make sure I was keeping on track. I broke my ideas down and looked local for the answers and that is what helped me to focus in on one main issue. I felt the beginning steps of my research were the most challenging because I had so many ideas and I found myself going in too many directions instead of focusing on a few strong ideas. That is when I found my mapping most helpful.
I sketched out maps on large poster paper. As I received information I would add it to my map. My map changed a few times over my research process. One thing I did was writing myself notes and actions, which I placed beside my map, to keep me on task. Regardless of where I was in my research, I could look back on my notes to guide me. My mapping is still an ongoing process and I feel it takes time to get down a strong method.
I then gathered all the information I had thus far to get a clear image of my subject. To create my concepts I needed to gain as much feedback as possible at this point. I also was strong in collecting as much information together as possible so when I presented my idea there would be a strong view of the final outcome. I received feedback and reworked my vision to get a bolder picture. I found that getting feed back from my work was helpful in stepping away from it myself was beneficial. I welcomed people to critique my work. This helped me to envision working as a team in future business.
Part of my concept was writing my statement, which I felt made a huge difference in my final steps in production. I did find it difficult to clarify my statement at first as I felt as soon as I did it would be set in stone. I found that once I stated what my project was, a book design, I was actually able to make changes to it and move ahead. I feel better about going into future projects knowing I can make changes at this point without worry.
I was most comfortable with the developing and the producing of my design. I collected my information thus far and used it to create my message.I created a sketch of layouts, stories and information that I would place in my book layout.
I learned throughout this entire process that I am more able to organize my time. It gave me confidence in designing an effective communication design in a specific time frame. I will continue to work on my mapping system and organizing my beginning research methods including more incisive questions in collecting data so I can bring my ideas together in a more rapid way as well as focus on clarifying my projects.
University of Westminster, Harrow UK
MA Design For Communications
Design for Elegant Frugality, Sustainable Graphic Design
Reflecting back on my project I am more aware of my strengths and weaknesses in my research and design process.
I chose my design brief and obtained the background information and time limits. I began examining the brief. I defined the subject matter and went on the various sites listed on my brief to find more specific information about my project. I contacted several companies and resources that were listed on the brief for more information. I researched the competition in the area of this design as well as where the need was for this communication solution. I started asking questions in every place that might have answers.
I found it most helpful to ask as many questions as possible about my subject matter. The more people I contacted, the more helpful advice I received. I was able to gather a vast amount of data on my subject from the resources and companies listed on my design brief.
I feel I was strong in gathering enough information needed to move further in my project. The resources were there and as long as I was willing to look for them and ask for help I received the information needed.
There was great importance in my using my team collaboration (classmates, instructors and friends) for advice along the way. My ability to be flexible and open minded played a role in working through my research and design process. When I realized my project might go in another direction or the information changed, my project changed with it. I allowed it to do so instead of fighting it or letting my own opinions get in the way. I questioned my direction and the information I gathered often, which kept me on track as well.
I gathered an ample amount of data in my secondary research. I researched different routes and tasks to ensure I had adequate data on my subject matter. I interviewed roommates, school employees, housing faculty, classmates, family members and instructors about my work in order to get feed back. I came up with several ideas and concepts, which I then had to break apart and question the effectiveness in communicating my message.
I feel I spent a sufficient amount of time researching different areas of frugality and sustainability. I did get caught up in a vast amount of different ideas and it took me quite some time to find my actual means to which I would communicate the best solution. I did go back to my brief often to make sure I was keeping on track. I broke my ideas down and looked local for the answers and that is what helped me to focus in on one main issue. I felt the beginning steps of my research were the most challenging because I had so many ideas and I found myself going in too many directions instead of focusing on a few strong ideas. That is when I found my mapping most helpful.
I sketched out maps on large poster paper. As I received information I would add it to my map. My map changed a few times over my research process. One thing I did was writing myself notes and actions, which I placed beside my map, to keep me on task. Regardless of where I was in my research, I could look back on my notes to guide me. My mapping is still an ongoing process and I feel it takes time to get down a strong method.
I then gathered all the information I had thus far to get a clear image of my subject. To create my concepts I needed to gain as much feedback as possible at this point. I also was strong in collecting as much information together as possible so when I presented my idea there would be a strong view of the final outcome. I received feedback and reworked my vision to get a bolder picture. I found that getting feed back from my work was helpful in stepping away from it myself was beneficial. I welcomed people to critique my work. This helped me to envision working as a team in future business.
Part of my concept was writing my statement, which I felt made a huge difference in my final steps in production. I did find it difficult to clarify my statement at first as I felt as soon as I did it would be set in stone. I found that once I stated what my project was, a book design, I was actually able to make changes to it and move ahead. I feel better about going into future projects knowing I can make changes at this point without worry.
I was most comfortable with the developing and the producing of my design. I collected my information thus far and used it to create my message.I created a sketch of layouts, stories and information that I would place in my book layout.
I learned throughout this entire process that I am more able to organize my time. It gave me confidence in designing an effective communication design in a specific time frame. I will continue to work on my mapping system and organizing my beginning research methods including more incisive questions in collecting data so I can bring my ideas together in a more rapid way as well as focus on clarifying my projects.
Friday, 5 December 2008
My list of sources I used for the book
Did you know that saving from recycling one plastic bottles will?
Power a computer for 25 minutes
Power a washing machine for 10 minutes
Power a 100-watt light bulb for almost an hour
Power a color television for 20 minutes
[Source: www.britglass.co.uk]
Did you know about 16% of the money you spend on a product pays for the packaging, which ultimately ends up as rubbish?
Did you know 275,000 tones of plastic are used each year in the UK and plastic can take up to 500 years to decompose?
[Source: http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/facts.html]
Five out of six used glass jars are thrown straight into the trash!
[Source: http://www.reducetheuse.co.uk/Page/Waste/Wastefacts.htm]
Recycling one glass Jar to make a new glass jar saves enough energy to keep a 100-watt light bulb lit for four hours.
[Source:http://www.glassworks.org/product_stewardship/fascinating.html]
Every year, supermarkets give out approximately 17½ billion plastic bags. This amounts to about 290 bags per person in the UK.
[Source:http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/Plastics.htm]
Did you know the average British family throws away six trees worth of paper each year?
Did you know that only 2.5% of plastic bottles are recycled in Europe; most are used once then thrown away in the trash.
[Source: http://www.reducetheuse.co.uk/Page/Waste/Wastefacts.htm]
Over 83² km of wrapping paper will end up in the UK trash bins every year at Christmas.
[Source: Waste Watch]
Power a computer for 25 minutes
Power a washing machine for 10 minutes
Power a 100-watt light bulb for almost an hour
Power a color television for 20 minutes
[Source: www.britglass.co.uk]
Did you know about 16% of the money you spend on a product pays for the packaging, which ultimately ends up as rubbish?
Did you know 275,000 tones of plastic are used each year in the UK and plastic can take up to 500 years to decompose?
[Source: http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/facts.html]
Five out of six used glass jars are thrown straight into the trash!
[Source: http://www.reducetheuse.co.uk/Page/Waste/Wastefacts.htm]
Recycling one glass Jar to make a new glass jar saves enough energy to keep a 100-watt light bulb lit for four hours.
[Source:http://www.glassworks.org/product_stewardship/fascinating.html]
Every year, supermarkets give out approximately 17½ billion plastic bags. This amounts to about 290 bags per person in the UK.
[Source:http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/Plastics.htm]
Did you know the average British family throws away six trees worth of paper each year?
Did you know that only 2.5% of plastic bottles are recycled in Europe; most are used once then thrown away in the trash.
[Source: http://www.reducetheuse.co.uk/Page/Waste/Wastefacts.htm]
Over 83² km of wrapping paper will end up in the UK trash bins every year at Christmas.
[Source: Waste Watch]
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Back to my other collection idea...what a week!
I made it out to get my photographs today, FINALLY! I am back on track and will get my work together one of these hours...hehe. This week has been a test of my will and patience for sure! What doesn't kill me makes me stronger, so I hear.
How is everyone else doing out there in Iaminamadrushtoprinteverythingout land?
Do tell! :-)
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
A fitting quote for the week
...I'm drowning here, and you're describing the water!",
Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets
Monday, 1 December 2008
Contents of my process/sketch book
I was contacted by Graham Smith, the head designer for Evolve Creative Limited. I did some work for them in 2006 and he agreed to meet with me to talk about layouts and printing. I made an appointment to see him tomorrow, December 2, 2008.
I also was contacted by again Clare Brass with SEED Foundation
Social Environmental Enterprise + Design www.seedfoundation.org.uk. I was contacted by Jonathon Porritt. He gave her my name and said she would be able to help me much more than he could. Most helpful!
Social Environmental Enterprise + Design www.seedfoundation.org.uk. I was contacted by Jonathon Porritt. He gave her my name and said she would be able to help me much more than he could. Most helpful!
She wants to meet with me a week from Friday, 14th of December.
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