What is Graphic Design for?

5examples of websites and blogs that will help define:

Information & Way-finding: 
1. http://meganschierhout.prosite.com/ 
UP - University of Pretoria, students were briefed to develop a clear and sufficient way finding system for the main campus, the result is a clear and concise colour coded way finding system. (Student project / Information Design / University of Pretoria.

2. http://www.behance.net/gallery/So-Paulo-Zoo-Identity-and-Wayfinding-Proposal/3906085 
The purpose of this project was to come up with a fun and more comprehensive identity and wayfinding system for the São Paulo Zoo. They've identified many problems in the actual system, mostly of maintenance and inconsistency. It also didn't seem to catch the users' attention or actually work for wayfinding (signs would only work one way, people still couldn't - even with a map - figure out where they were or where they had to go, etc). There was also a surprising lack of map signs. They decided to start from scratch, then, by mixing a bit of an Art Nouveau influence with some playfulness.
The current zoo way finding system was badly maintained, inconsistent etc...

The new proposal... 

3. http://new.pentagram.com/2011/02/new-work-museum-of-chinese-in/
Pentagram has designed the graphics for the Museum of Chinese in America's new home at 215 Centre Street in New York's Chinatown. The program of environmental graphics we developed for the museum is similarly restrained and complements the forms and materials of the building’s architecture. Identification and wayfinding signage uses the square motif of the identity.

4. http://www.pentagram.com/search/Wayfinding/#/512/
Toronto Pearson Airport developed a new system of way finding and information for the new terminal 1.

5.http://new.pentagram.com/2011/05/new-work-nyc-parks/
The new system simplifies the graphics and makes them look more contemporary, establishing a unique look for each category and at the same time branding it as Parks. This is achieved through different logo treatments, types of imagery and distinctive color palettes. For instance, Arts & Culture brochures announce their titles on nameplates placed over images of Parks landmarks; Sports and Fitness materials feature icons of various activities, set in patterns of circles and a bright palette of blue, green and orange. Nature division posters combine flat graphics and photography of the natural environment; for Kids, the Parks logo is used in colorful patterns that form animals and objects.

Understanding: 

Information & Way finding... it says it all really, the number one priority would be to make sure its communication is as efficient and distinctive as it can be. It seems the more successful projects have been those that've simplified their graphics, making them look contemporary as well as unique. A lot of it comes down to semiotics and what we apply to each icon.

Product & packaging:
1. http://www.behance.net/gallery/Minimalist-effect-in-the-maximalist-market/1514831
Trying to find alternate simple versions for some package samples of the international brands. Every product needs some review for minimal feeling.

2. A product visualization project showcasing a new and unique way to package honey. A clean, minimalistic logo and branding using a elegant and simple typefaces upon large white space or canvas gives the design a distinctive and sophisticated appeal. This is further emphasized by the gold embossed bee logo. The large white canvas is balanced with the golden warmth of the honey appearing through the glass at the base of the packaging.

3. http://designmuse.typepad.com/
Although I like the overall color palette and treatment of the background the illustration style has the same nineties geometric quality as the controversial logo they designed for the olympics which I don't feel is as dynamic or sophisticated as it could be.

4. I recently came across these Diet Coke bottles designed by fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier. Very un-diet coke like but fun for the summer just the same.

5. I saw this fun packaging design for Raaka Chocolate. All of the label patterns are hand drawn pencil sketches and add to the homemade yet artisinal feel of the products. 

Understanding: 

Product & Packaging... How a package is designed and packaged has a huge impact on the consumers ability to buy the product. It has the function to look attractive as well as relate to the contents inside. A lot of this area is concerned with aesthetics, colour & style. All the graphic elements must be in play to create a product that also appeals to your target audience which is why product & packaging is such a risky area, many people go over the top and shroud the key information too much, whereas some others are too minimal for even the key information. Minimalism appears to be the new forefront of graphic products as you can see from the examples above!

Branding & Identity:
1. http://www.behance.net/gallery/Shuba/3991475
Corporate identity for a company that offers customers coats of all kinds of fur, and also engaged in sewing of fur coats. There was chosen classic black and white style.

2. http://www.bigfish.co.uk/  A design company that won a gold DBA Design effectiveness award for best branded packaging...

3.  http://snask.com/ Snask is an internationally renowned Design, Brand & Film agency that create the heart & soul of brands. Creating new brands and rejuvenating old ones. They knock off all types of branded material for print, web, film and experimental advertising. 

4. http://www.behance.net/gallery/Weeglow/1988471 Weeglow: The task was to create the brand from the basis, including naming, key visual and corporate identity with basic stationary. Weeglow reflects the young, dynamic mood of people who love playing games. Its freak and casual style exists on every part of the brands image.

5. Mytton Williams: At Mytton Williams we deliver brands. But, for us, brand is delivered through the blend of strategy and design, the ideas and the execution. The one relies on the other.

Understanding: 

Branding & Identity... Communicating a message about a companies aims and ambitions through the use of their products & people. The right branding can see a company over night success. You must understand the companies concepts and theories, with this knowledge you'll understand what message you want to convey to the public. Identifying with a brand shows you understand its meaning, if you get mixed messages about the companies ethics etc, then the whole identity of the company is jeprodised. Brand identity includes: Promotional material, business cards, letterheads, memorabilia, logos, catchphrases etc.

Editorial & Publishing:
Useful websites: http://www.computerarts.co.uk/blog/fond-editorial-design-122866
http://magculture.com/blog/

http://designdefined.co.uk/
http://www.typographyserved.com/
http://creattica.com/editorial/
http://rationedriot.tumblr.com/
http://tranches.tumblr.com/
http://creattica.com/editorial/



For this section we looked over what Editorial and Publishing entailed, We created spider diagrams and split the genre into the different aspects...including: Magazines, Book Publishing & General Publishing, From this we thought of sub categories, investigating the breadth of content that there was... In our blog groups we each picked 2 sections to focus on, I had chosen: Promotional Flyers & Newspapers. I also investigated the different types of Catalogues, Mailshots & Brochures...


Catalogues; Product, Service, Unique, Emails, Incrusted, E-catalogue, Curriculum, Exhibition, Type, Library.


Mailshots; Bulk, Advertising goods, Advertising services, Sales (order forms_


Brochures; Bi-fold, Leaflet letter, Tri-fold, Folder with flap and inserts, Point of sale, Leave-behinds, Sales support tool, Respond to enquiries, Direct mail.

Promotional flyers: Takeaways, Student nights, Music events, Products, Grand openings, Die cut, Special offers, Underground events, Sports leagues, Fundraisers.

Newspapers: Daily, Weekly, National, Local, Tabloids, Broadsheets, 'Berliner' Eurocentric versions, International, Special Interest.

Newspapers have a very broad target audience and the genres often deviate in course with the topic of the stories. Newspapers provide a source of expression for writers. Yet some are more professional in their approach to this, this is what determines one newspaper from the next. E.G. The Sun, middle class, gossip fuelled, bright, eye-catching. The Guardian, minimal, refined audience, Intellectual matters.

Catalogues seem to be much more interactive and playful than advertisements, this can be directly linked to the fact that they're trying to get you to buy the products, therefore they want their audience to have a high sense of involvement, making it more likely that they'll buy something.

When researching into these areas I tried to target brochures that were quite modernist, appealing to the more mature audience. It appears that it is their presentation of the content that is most diverse, Each has its own folding method that corresponds with the attitude of its information.

When looking over the following images I must take into account these key points;

Genres: the overall style of the design, does it say SPORTS, FASHION OR HEALTHY LIVING? ETC.

Content: What does the piece contain, is the information applicable to the imagery etc.

The target audience: Who is the piece aimed at, is it targeting a niche or a wide variety of people? This has to be carefully thought about, For example: a children's book appeals to a wide variety of children, but would still be classed as a niche because it singles out grown ups.

Understanding:
Editorial & Publishing... A very wide and varied area, that cannot be defined by a few words. Editorial design involves the content of a publication, layout of a page, contents etc. For a refined and unique finish you need to understand what informations relevant, what looks good and what communicates well. Everything needs to flow and relate back to the beginning in some form. It seems that getting the right balance between your imagery and text could be the deciding factor for your audiences.

Retail & Promotion:
1. http://new.pentagram.com/2010/11/new-work-im-going-to-saks/
playfully asked shoppers to “Think About…” offerings in various product categories like shoes, jewelry and outerwear. The new campaign is one of action. In advertising and on catalogs, the tagline “I’m Going To” appears in stylish black-and-white arrows pointing the way to the Saks logo, accompanied by declarations like “I’m going to Saks… because some biker chicks have a soft side”

2. http://www.pentagram.com/search/retail/#/446/

3. You can clearly see what the companies promoting, from the simple frosted glass and revealing title. "Comfort is Intimacy’s ultimate goal as a personalized bra fitting can be an intimidating process. The frosted glass window at the entrance provides a sense of privacy and remove from the mall environs as customers make their way to the Welcome Counter. Here, women can make appointments, ask questions or sit and watch educational videos. The counter’s open design and inviting location separate it from the cash wrap and more transactional areas."

4. http://www.greenroomretail.co.uk/#/about

5. http://www.barberdesign.co.uk/
Great design helps you attract new customers, keep your current ones, and boost your profits. And it helps you get your message across loud and clear. "authentic delicatessen in Wantage near Oxford. The partners had decided on a name and ask us to create a full brand identity and communication package, plus a retail environment with the intension of rolling the concept out to further locations in the future.

Working closely with our client, we created a warm friendly and inviting brand that reflected their characters and passion for food. Alongside the brand creation we developed the retail environment to ensure a truly integrated brand offer."

Understanding: 

Retail & Promotion: Getting your design out there has to be the most vital part of Graphic design, If no-one sees your product/ service its useless! It's not just how you advertise but how you execute the format of your retail & promotion. The array of mediums, leaves the opportunity to advertise online, on the television, radio open to creative flare etc. Using the word retail implies a more corporate image of supermarkets, clothes, shoes, electronics etc. Due to the simple fact that there are so many sectors, you need to be adaptable.

Olly Moss

I just love the way his works not over complicated, and concentrates on core aspects of the area he's focusing on, which makes the designs communication so effective.

Manifesto's

The following task was to; produce a 5 point manifesto with influence from 5 published manifestos related to Design & the practice of art. My personal manifesto should be a reflection of the designer I want to be...

The definition of a Manifesto...'a public declaration of intent, policy, aims, etc'

5 Published Manifestos.

Bauhaus Manifesto 

• The Bauhaus strives to bring together all creative efforts into one whole.
• To reunify all the disciplines of practical art (sculpture, painting, handicrafts, and the crafts) as inseparable components of a new architecture.
• The unified work of art in which there is no distinction between monumental and decorative art.
• To educate architects, painters, and sculptors of all levels, according to their capabilities, to become competent craftsmen or independent creative artists and to form a working community of leading and future artist-craftsmen.
• Art rises above all methods; in itself it cannot be taught, but the crafts certainly can be.

Big Potatoes - The London Manifesto for Innovation

• THINK BIG
• GO BEYOND THE POST-WAR LEGACY OF INNOVATION
• PRINCIPLES, NOT MODELS
• INNOVATION IS HARD WORK
• FOR SUCCESS, EXPECT LOTS OF FAILURES
• TAKE RISKS
• INNOVATION DEMANDS LEADERSHIP

A Manifesto for Sustainability in Design

• Stop Making Crap  

And that means that we have to stop making crap. It's really as simple as that. We are suffocating, drowning, and poisoning ourselves with the stuff we produce, abrading, out-gassing, and seeping into our air, our water, our land, our food—and basically those are the only things we have to look after before there's no we in that sentence. It gets into our bodies, of course, and it certainly gets into our minds. And designers are feeding and feeding this cycle, helping to turn everyone and everything into either a consumer or a consumable. And when you think about it, this is kind of grotesque. "Consumer" isn't a dirty word exactly, but it probably ought a be.

• Teach Sustainability Early

Design education is at a crossroads, with many schools understanding the potentials, opportunities, and obligations of design, while others continue to teach students how to churn out pretty pieces of garbage. Institutions that stress sustainability, social responsibility, cultural adaptation, ethnography, and systems thinking are leading the way. But soon they will come to define what industrial design means. (A relief to those constantly trying to define the discipline today!) This doesn't mean no aesthetics. It just means a keener eye on costs and benefits.

• Balance Before Talents

The proportion of a solution needs to balance with its problem: we don't need a battery-powered pooper scooper to pick up dog poop, and we don't need a car that gets 17 MPG to, well, we don't need that car, period. We have to start balancing our ability to be clever with our ability to be smart. They're two different things.

• Context Before Absolutely Everything

Understanding that all design happens within a context is the first (and arguably the only) stop to make on your way to becoming a good designer. You can be a bad designer after that, of course, but you don't stand a chance of being a good one if you don't first consider context. It's everything: In graphics, communication, interaction, architecture, product, service, you name it—if it doesn't take context into account, it's crap. And you already promised not to make any more of that.

• Systems Before Artifacts

Before we design anything new, we should examine how we can use what already exists to better ends. We need to think systems before artifacts, services before products, adopting Thackara's use/not own principles at every step. And when new products are needed, they'll be obvious and appropriate, and then can we conscientiously pump up fossil fuels and start polymerizing them. Product design should be part of a set of tools we have for solving problems and celebrating life. It is a means, not an end.

The Manifesto for the Cloud Appreciation Society

WE BELIEVE that clouds are unjustly maligned

and that life would be immeasurably poorer without them.

We think that they are Nature’s poetry, 

and the most egalitarian of her displays, since 

everyone can have a fantastic view of them.

We pledge to fight ‘blue-sky thinking’ wherever we find it. 

Life would be dull if we had to look up at 

cloudless monotony day after day.

We seek to remind people that clouds are expressions of the 

atmosphere’s moods, and can be read like those of 

a person’s countenance.

Clouds are so commonplace that their beauty is often overlooked. 

They are for dreamers and their contemplation benefits the soul. 

Indeed, all who consider the shapes they see in them will save 

on psychoanalysis bills.

And so we say to all who’ll listen:

Look up, marvel at the ephemeral beauty, and live life with your head in the clouds!

Apple's manifesto

• We believe that we're on the face of the earth to make great products.
• We're constantly focusing on innovating.
• We believe in the simple, not the complex.
• We believe we need to own and control the primary technologies behind the products that we make and participate only in markets where we can make a significant contribution.
• We believe in saying no to thousands of projects so that we can focus on the few that are meaningful to us. 
• We believe in deep collaboration and cross pollination in order to innovate in a way others cannot. 
• We don't settle for anything other than excellence in any group in the company.
• We have the self-honesty to admit when we're wrong and the courage to change.

A visual Manifesto.

PERSONAL MANIFESTO - STEPHEN MAHER.

1..I need to understand that all design happens within a context, otherwise there wouldn't be relevant communication. If it doesn't take context into account. it's useless.

2..Balance my solutions with the problems. This means I need to take into account my ability to be clever with the ability to be smart.

3..My mistakes aren't useless, they're a reminder of what not to do next time.

4..Never think the future's going to be better, act now.

5..Examine how I can use what already exists to better ends.

6..Accept that change will happen.

Identify, Summarize & Illustrate

As an Individual I've learnt...
1) That in the past teachers have taught us too churn out pretty pieces of garbage ignoring the potentials and opportunities of design. At the beginning of the year I was more concerned about the final result and its aesthetics rather than it's context and communication. For example the design below was created for Students yet a vintage/antique colour scheme was used.

2) Effort always shines through, I'm becoming more engaged in the course as it progresses, I'm more interested in working hard than going out to socialise. Initially I thought I knew a lot more than I did, but the sessions concerning Colour theory, Medium Specificity & Anatomy of type show the broadness of design and that there's still a lot to learn in terms of becoming a better designer. The fact that I'm learning new things has highlighted my interest in Graphic Design and spur to carry on.

3) Turning up with time to spare isn't for the tutors benefit but our own, life isn't an easy ride & nothings given to you on a plate, I've had to reach a new level of working, and I'm sure as time goes on I'll be moving up this hierarchy of levels with the aid of caffeine and sugary treats.
4) I need to stop worrying and stressing so much, as this doesn't cause anything but further problems. For example; During the Alphabet Soup I had to create an Alphabet that represented my partner through its characteristics. However I was too concerned with the remaining time frame that my preferences took control and the end result was an industrial typeface that was too bold and blocky to represent a female. I shouldn't be dis-heartened if I make mistakes, After-all if your not learning anything in this first year...what are you doing?

5) To Prioritise my activities more effectively, doing work sooner than later avoids; confusion and a heap of work I don't fully understand as the concepts aren't fresh in my mind. I've realised I am quite an organised person, I keep my space clear, along with my notes up to date. The only thing left to do is network myself more effectively.
6) University isn't what I expected, and I mean this in a positive sense, I had this pre-conceived idea that University was the best time of your life and you'd be wasted pretty much every night, yet In another sense it sort of is the best time of your life, it's the time when I discover myself as a designer and as an Individual that shapes the rest of my life.

7) I've become dependent on Music, During the day I intend to do my work but I'm often disturbed by general conversation, which at the time doesn't seem too damaging but I've learnt that it builds up through the day and sometimes means leaving college premises with more work than you bargained for. Putting my headphones in allows me to concentrate on the task at hand and crack on, ignoring the distractions around me.
8) The whole process of Blogging was a totally new thing to me, however its now became a crucial part of my design process for analysing, reviewing and evaluating my work. It also allows me too review the works of others, allowing a constant review of progress for the whole year. I think the next step would be too create my own personal blog and begin Networking.

9) My independance has definitely improved for the better as I've had too manage my money more effectively and take into account external factors that I may need to account for. I can't rely on my mum to come banging on my door to wake me up, this has highlighted the fact that I need sleep. I can't expect the cold bitter slap of wind in the morning to freshen me up. It looks as if Long days and early nights are approaching.
10) My skills as a public speaker aren't the best, I need to drastically improve on this if I want the communication of my ideas to be visible. I tend to over think what I'm going to say and lose my track of thought due to nerves, resulting in a fast paced blurt of information leaving the audience confused.

As a Designer I've learnt...
1) The proportion of a solution needs to balance with its problem, I need to balance my ability to be clever with my ability to be smart. For example I chose to use the idea of pixels to create imagery aimed at a younger generation, I thought the outcome was quite clever as they were visually appealing but in context I should've spent more time developing the; layout, colour scheme and typefaces.

2) Don't be afraid of simplicity, sometimes the simpler speaks the loudest.
3) How my style in design is changing, I've had to make the transition from Foundation which focused on every aspect of Art & Design, to solely concentrating on Graphic Design and its fundamentals.
4) The importance of using grids and its components; Tracking, Leading, Kerning etc. I'm keen to learn anything new that'll better myself as a designer. I'm a perfectionist and learning all these new techniques has helped me arrange my work, making it more symmetrical and free from pointless distractions.

5) Time and preparation give you a clearer design direction, I used to jump into the process of designing and think the aesthetics of my idea will make the design process irrelevant, however it needs to communicate a message in context, effectively. Otherwise it's simply a good looking piece of garbage.
6) There's always someone better, but that doesn't mean you can't become better than them. I'm on a course with such a good reputation that I'm constantly surrounded by good designers, and I think being in this environment has made Graphics become a part of my lifestyle.
7) During Lectures, I've learnt numerous new things surrounding the history of Art & Design and it's disciplines. Which has helped the practical side of designing as my understanding of certain aspects has been beneficial for e.g. the History of Advertising.
8) You can't polish a turd, if it's rubbish, scrap the idea and start again, this can often be avoided by continuously Investigating, Influence is everywhere, even in the places I'd least expect.
9) My software skills are continuously improving, Initially I was only familiar with the programme Photoshop, but my recent designs have been Illustrator based, As the course progresses I'll start using other programmes broadening my understanding of what programmes to use for different purposes & functions.
10) I'm starting to visualise how I could improve my designs, usually I'd do a few layout and color transitions and think I'd done enough, however I've started to alter each component of my designs to see what combination works best.