Event Posters — Creative Networks — OUGD603

As part of a visual investigation, current posters for guest speakers and other relevant talks will be analysed to see if there are any elements that could be useful for consideration when we begin to execute the final posters for Creative Networks.

The poster above, coincidentally for graphic designer Jonathan Barnbrook, uses a very swiss orientated style to put an emphasis on the type rather than the work of the designer, which is subtly placed in the backdrop using the designers signature colours. This seems to be the most consistent way to communicate the given speaker and use the same layouts/composition for future speakers.

This poster uses more of a 'made you look' strategy where it grabs your attention to make to look twice and deeper into the content of the poster. This more engaging way of laying out could be useful, however it does distract slightly more than is communicates due to the clutter of chopping and rearranging the image.

This unusual poster used the colour of the stock to stand out. The bulk of the elements on the page are all black, allowing the words to bounce off the page. The designer of this specific poster says that he only has access to a black and white printer. Sometimes giving yourself restrictions means a more sophisticated outcome can be produced.

Current Posters — Creative Network — OUGD603

After searching for past events that have taken place in the university, it seemed like there was a huge variety of posters that were either very personal to that specific speaker, or looked like they followed a theme or identity for the university.

These examples use the university logo as a frame:

Both of these posters show use of the college's mosaic shape. They also show the newer 'CN' identity within them somewhere.

For a more affective poster, they should work as a set, so from speaker to speaker, the only thing that should vary is the content, the layout should always stay the same to incorporate a more professional feel. Rather than the poster completely change each time a new speaker comes to the university.

Another stand out poster set is from the Creative Networks Twitter account. It seems that there is a default layout that is used for online publishing:

This layout is continuously used throughout the online social media promotions. Further validating the reason to use a staple layout that can be adapted for each speaker, rather than altering it each time. This makes the promotional material more versatile and adaptable for future uses as well as maintain an audience that may not recognise another poster from another—therefore sustaining a consistent audience regardless of the who the speaker may be.

Selected Area's of Study — Presentation — OUGD603

As a task, presenting the briefs that are being selected gives a better outlook on what area's will be being studied. Allowing others to gauge for possible collaboration and for the tutors to get a better grip on what will get the most focus throughout the year.

Overall, the presentation was thoroughly enjoyable and are starting to become second nature. It is becoming obvious, the simpler the presentation, the more the audience is engaged with what you are saying—enabling you to speak on a more personal level rather than having people's eyes glued to the projector.

Feedback: The overall reaction to the briefs were positive, particularly logo-a-day—it was pointed out that this is a great way to bulk up your portfolio and opens up new doors into other projects that could span off the logo's.

Creative Networks — OUGD603

The brief:

• 5 Speakers throughout the year (Total's 5 briefs)
• Use existing brand guidelines
• Strong emphasis on print promotion
• 10 day deadline (5pm Thursday 14th October)
• Emphasis on vinyl & way finding 
• Moving image
• Collaboration recommended

Month Plan — Logo-a-Day — OUGD603

As there will be 30 logo's being produced, it is wise to set up a month long plan that will ensure a logo a day will actually be produced.

Firstly, collating a list of randomly generated words using this website, https://randomwordgenerator.com, allows for a completely different execution style for each logo, further broadening skills within Illustrator as well designing under tight deadlines.

1. Hex
2. Wave
3. Mountain
4. Pizza
5. Prism
6. Sunset
7. Snake
8. Unity
9. Flicker
10. Nuclear
11. Halo
12. Wave
13. Exit
14. Smooth
15. Acidic
16. Horizon
17. Bright
18. Highways
19. Arrow
20. Accuracy
21. Elongate
22. Molecular
23. Distribute
24. Exposed
25. Blush
26. Pulse
27. Levels
28. Blade
29. Box
30. Build