In general the last few weeks of the HND Interactive Media course have been very enjoyable for me… Not that I wasn’t enjoying it before! It’s just that I now feel like we’re moving more toward the design element of the course which to be totally honest is what I enjoy doing most. Oh and not to forget, we now have the results from our A2 (A Journey of 1000 Miles) referred assignments… Which I’m pleased to say I passed!
The bulk of the academic writing for A3 (Sounds Like a Plan) is almost at an end and feel that the run up to Christmas will enable us to really get creative with our design ideas. Likewise A4 (Typecast) has taken a design twist with the introduction of several mini assignments (with much shorter timescales). Having now worked on two mini assignments (Hokai paint label) and (Vodafone job ad) I’ve become all too aware that my time management skills leave little to be desired!
When you’re working to a 4-5 hour time scale you really do have to be precise with your time management planning, finding yourself quite easily lost in the moment and completely loosing track of time! Personally I think I need to be more stringent with the planning of these mini projects, for example allocating sufficient time for ideas generation, creation, tinker time and print.
Week twelve saw our first presentation of the course, which I have to say, could have gone a little better! Again I think the reason for the poor conduct boils down to the aspect of time management (or rather lack of it) within the group. I suppose I just feel that when you’re working within a team it’s important to be at your best, as it’s not just yourself you’re letting down!
Thursday 11 December 2008
Thursday 27 November 2008
Playing with Fireworks.
Since my last OLJ (Online Learning Journal) entry the HND Interactive Media course have received results for A2. Unfortunately my assignment was referred along with sixteen others due to several minor mistakes. Upon hearing the news my mood dulled somewhat but at the same time felt selfishly relieved that I wasn’t on my own.
Feedback received and I was feeling much better having realised that referral points were few and fairly easy to amend, however now faced the daunting task of submitting for the second time (with no room for error!)
On a brighter note we’ve since been appointed our next task of the course in the form of A3 (investigation into the web design pre-production process) and A4 (gaining an understanding of typography), two assignments that I’m really beginning to enjoy, although the extra workload hasn’t gone unnoticed!
Along with the additional work of completing multiple assignments we now have the added elements of merit and distinction criteria, involving such things as keeping time sheets (which in actual fact is more challenging than it may sound) not in a technical sense more so just remembering to keep a track of what you’re doing and when!
The course definitely seems to have been kicked up a gear over these last few weeks with work flowing thick and fast, from typeface identity exercises to ideas generation with a little added extra thrown in for good measure!
The HND Interactive Media department (years 1 & 2) were requested to put together design ideas for the 2008 Wakefield College Christmas e-card which I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in. This provided a great opportunity to get to grips with the workings of Adobe Illustrator & Fireworks which I had no previous experience with. Fortunately my design has been short listed along with five others, so to say I’m pleased right now would be an understatement!
Feedback received and I was feeling much better having realised that referral points were few and fairly easy to amend, however now faced the daunting task of submitting for the second time (with no room for error!)
On a brighter note we’ve since been appointed our next task of the course in the form of A3 (investigation into the web design pre-production process) and A4 (gaining an understanding of typography), two assignments that I’m really beginning to enjoy, although the extra workload hasn’t gone unnoticed!
Along with the additional work of completing multiple assignments we now have the added elements of merit and distinction criteria, involving such things as keeping time sheets (which in actual fact is more challenging than it may sound) not in a technical sense more so just remembering to keep a track of what you’re doing and when!
The course definitely seems to have been kicked up a gear over these last few weeks with work flowing thick and fast, from typeface identity exercises to ideas generation with a little added extra thrown in for good measure!
The HND Interactive Media department (years 1 & 2) were requested to put together design ideas for the 2008 Wakefield College Christmas e-card which I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in. This provided a great opportunity to get to grips with the workings of Adobe Illustrator & Fireworks which I had no previous experience with. Fortunately my design has been short listed along with five others, so to say I’m pleased right now would be an understatement!
Wednesday 12 November 2008
Oh… and to listen to Steve!
This week we were fortunate enough to be paid a visit from The Design Mechanics co-creator, Dave Pannell and former HND Interactive Media student, Craig Burgess. They kindly took time out of their very busy schedule to enlighten us on the realities of the creative industry.
The guys gave a very interesting, informative presentation covering many aspects of the industry, from study and the humble beginnings right through to creation and running of a successful freelance design company. Both were armed with samples of previous projects, posing the perfect chance to take a peek at the work standard expected.
It came as a surprise to me when Craig announced that he had no previous design experience prior to joining the HND course. I know that Craig’s talents are well respected by both Dave and Steve, so for him to be able to progress to such a level in this short period of time from a background of no creative design knowledge instils confidence in me. Along with the fact that the HND Interactive Media course is highly regarded by the likes of Dave Pannell for producing students well equipped for the industry and able to hit the ground running.
As conversation ran on into time scales and project turnaround time, it was brought up that it’s considered common practice to be able to create such things as logos and business cards in as little as thirty minutes! Upon hearing this I was somewhat taken aback. However, after discovering the way in which The Design Mechanics approach their projects it soon became clear how this is possible.
The fact that they established a clear outline of the project brief, allows them to meet their targets fist time every time. This approach enables them to cut time and save the client money. Conclusively, this visit reassured me on my decisions, injected anxiety and excitement whilst also teaching me several valuable lessons… to work hard, fast, efficient and be disciplined.
Oh… and to listen to Steve!
It came as a surprise to me when Craig announced that he had no previous design experience prior to joining the HND course. I know that Craig’s talents are well respected by both Dave and Steve, so for him to be able to progress to such a level in this short period of time from a background of no creative design knowledge instils confidence in me. Along with the fact that the HND Interactive Media course is highly regarded by the likes of Dave Pannell for producing students well equipped for the industry and able to hit the ground running.
As conversation ran on into time scales and project turnaround time, it was brought up that it’s considered common practice to be able to create such things as logos and business cards in as little as thirty minutes! Upon hearing this I was somewhat taken aback. However, after discovering the way in which The Design Mechanics approach their projects it soon became clear how this is possible.
The fact that they established a clear outline of the project brief, allows them to meet their targets fist time every time. This approach enables them to cut time and save the client money. Conclusively, this visit reassured me on my decisions, injected anxiety and excitement whilst also teaching me several valuable lessons… to work hard, fast, efficient and be disciplined.
Oh… and to listen to Steve!
Tuesday 4 November 2008
Avant Garde
1Avant Garde was initially designed as a logo (not as a commercial typeface) for one of Ralph Ginzburg’s magazines in the late 1960’s. Created by the American graphic designer and New York City Cooper Union graduate, Herbert F Lubalin.
In 1964, Lubalin formed his own design consultation firm named Herb Lubalin, Inc and during this time collaborated with Ginzburg on several 2magazines; Eros, Fact and Avant Garde (Avant Garde being their second) as creative director and designer.
The creation of the Avant Garde magazine logo was proving difficult, due to the letter form in the title. Therefore Lubalin specifically designed a tight-fitting letter form, with a futuristic appearance and instant recognizable identity. Which eventually became a momentous design of the 1960’s and one of the most original, iconic typefaces of the twentieth century.
Due to the popular demand of a complete typeface, Lubalin along with Tom Carnase hand drew all twenty six uppercase characters using a compass and t-square and in 1970 released the first full ITC Avant Garde font from his International Typeface Corporation. However the unfortunate misuse of the typeface by inexperienced designers and its overuse, branded it a stereotypical 1970s font.
3The strength of the Avant Garde typeface is undoubtedly in its all-cap ligatures and it is frequently stated that it should only be used as Lubalin originally intended – as a display font.
With the introduction of Open Type technology ITC has been able to release a complete version of Avant Garde Gothic, which offers the full breadth of Lubalin and Carnase’s design. Avant Garde Gothic was released in 2005 and includes additional cap and lowercase alternates, new ligatures that were drawn just for this release and a collection of biform characters (lowercase letters with cap proportions).
References
1. Avant Garde (magazine),
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avant_Garde_(magazine)
2. Herb Lubalin,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITC_Avant_Garde#Avant_Garde
3. dot-font: Avant Garde, Then and Now,
http://www.creativepro.com/article/dot-font-avant-garde-then-and-now
In 1964, Lubalin formed his own design consultation firm named Herb Lubalin, Inc and during this time collaborated with Ginzburg on several 2magazines; Eros, Fact and Avant Garde (Avant Garde being their second) as creative director and designer.
The creation of the Avant Garde magazine logo was proving difficult, due to the letter form in the title. Therefore Lubalin specifically designed a tight-fitting letter form, with a futuristic appearance and instant recognizable identity. Which eventually became a momentous design of the 1960’s and one of the most original, iconic typefaces of the twentieth century.
Due to the popular demand of a complete typeface, Lubalin along with Tom Carnase hand drew all twenty six uppercase characters using a compass and t-square and in 1970 released the first full ITC Avant Garde font from his International Typeface Corporation. However the unfortunate misuse of the typeface by inexperienced designers and its overuse, branded it a stereotypical 1970s font.
3The strength of the Avant Garde typeface is undoubtedly in its all-cap ligatures and it is frequently stated that it should only be used as Lubalin originally intended – as a display font.
With the introduction of Open Type technology ITC has been able to release a complete version of Avant Garde Gothic, which offers the full breadth of Lubalin and Carnase’s design. Avant Garde Gothic was released in 2005 and includes additional cap and lowercase alternates, new ligatures that were drawn just for this release and a collection of biform characters (lowercase letters with cap proportions).
References
1. Avant Garde (magazine),
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avant_Garde_(magazine)
2. Herb Lubalin,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITC_Avant_Garde#Avant_Garde
3. dot-font: Avant Garde, Then and Now,
http://www.creativepro.com/article/dot-font-avant-garde-then-and-now
Tuesday 21 October 2008
The eagle has landed.
Six weeks in, the course is well under way and the second assignment deadline has been and gone (in what seems like no time at all). However in this short space of time I feel I’ve learnt so much, not only on computer fundamentals but also as an individual, including the way I go about structuring my home study and time management skills.
Having completed the second assignment in a somewhat comfortable and relaxed manner I would love to be able to sit back and say the anxiety had disappeared, but unfortunately this is not to be the case and feel I won’t be able to put these feelings to rest until we receive our grades in several weeks time.
I’m confidant that everything has been done in the correct manner, but can’t help but think that there may be something that’s not quite right or I may have missed! (Let’s hope I’m wrong).
All this aside, I’m now completely settled into the course and the way things are working, including myself. Comfortable in the knowledge that I’ve adapted successfully to higher education, quashing any fears I may have had prior to commencing the course.
Luckily help and support are always close by in the form of ‘Das Forum’ (the out of college class room) which has helped immensely in providing informative information in regards to the assignments and also just in general. I’m now eagerly awaiting the start of the new term and look forward to tackling the assignments that lie ahead, taking with me and utilising all I have learned from my experience so far.
Having completed the second assignment in a somewhat comfortable and relaxed manner I would love to be able to sit back and say the anxiety had disappeared, but unfortunately this is not to be the case and feel I won’t be able to put these feelings to rest until we receive our grades in several weeks time.
I’m confidant that everything has been done in the correct manner, but can’t help but think that there may be something that’s not quite right or I may have missed! (Let’s hope I’m wrong).
All this aside, I’m now completely settled into the course and the way things are working, including myself. Comfortable in the knowledge that I’ve adapted successfully to higher education, quashing any fears I may have had prior to commencing the course.
Luckily help and support are always close by in the form of ‘Das Forum’ (the out of college class room) which has helped immensely in providing informative information in regards to the assignments and also just in general. I’m now eagerly awaiting the start of the new term and look forward to tackling the assignments that lie ahead, taking with me and utilising all I have learned from my experience so far.
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Mac or PC?
To say I was somewhat apprehensive about starting the HND Interactive Media course would be an understatement! After leaving school and developing out in the big wide world for over a decade, I couldn't help but wonder what college life would be like and more importantly how I would adapt to it as a mature student.
So, four weeks in and so far we've thrown eggs from windows, played catch and been set our first two assignments, one ongoing throughout the year and a 1500 word essay on computer fundamentals (which is fast approaching deadline).
I feel that I've adapted really well to the course demands and have developed my skills in several areas already. The amount of information I have taken in whilst working on our assignments is incredible, in fact I find it quite amusing that I now actually have an opinion on topical debates such as Mac or PC!
Unfortunately my social life has taken a bit of a hit and don't really have much time for anything other than college related tasks these days. However I'm quite surprised that I don't really miss it that much and feel the course is fast becoming a way of life, a way of life that I'm really getting into.
We have a great group who all seem to get on really well which only adds to the pleasure of completing this course. I have made some good friends and feel there is a lot of support to be had.
So, four weeks in and so far we've thrown eggs from windows, played catch and been set our first two assignments, one ongoing throughout the year and a 1500 word essay on computer fundamentals (which is fast approaching deadline).
I feel that I've adapted really well to the course demands and have developed my skills in several areas already. The amount of information I have taken in whilst working on our assignments is incredible, in fact I find it quite amusing that I now actually have an opinion on topical debates such as Mac or PC!
Unfortunately my social life has taken a bit of a hit and don't really have much time for anything other than college related tasks these days. However I'm quite surprised that I don't really miss it that much and feel the course is fast becoming a way of life, a way of life that I'm really getting into.
We have a great group who all seem to get on really well which only adds to the pleasure of completing this course. I have made some good friends and feel there is a lot of support to be had.
Wednesday 1 October 2008
Where I’ve come from; where I am now; where I’m going.
Hi, I'm Brad Howell, a 26 year old first year student on the HND Interactive Media course at Wakefield College.
I find myself here at this point in life to seek a positive change and new direction, not only with my career but also as an individual. My journey so far has been both exciting and emotional, managing to fit an amazing amount of experiences into such a short period of time.
As far as education goes, I feel this is somewhat limited leaving high school with only the one GCSE in Art and Design. Although I would like to think that life experience has made up greatly for the lack of academic practice. This including such things as running my own company in the construction industry and superbike race team at British Superbike level.
From leaving school I immediately found full time employment to contribute financially towards one of the greatest passions in my life, this being motorcycle racing. Having competed successfully in the sport for over a decade, I now feel the time is right for me to sit back and be realistic about my future aspirations.
This is where the HND Interactive Media course comes into play. I strongly feel design and creativity have always been within me and where better to display this other than web design. This is a new direction I am eagerly awaiting to take and welcome the challenges that may lie ahead.
Securing a position as a web designer in the industry is obviously my main goal, along with many others including discovering my maximum potential, creating a professional portfolio and the ability to learn new skills. I feel that successful completion of the HND course will offer all these opportunities and more.
I find myself here at this point in life to seek a positive change and new direction, not only with my career but also as an individual. My journey so far has been both exciting and emotional, managing to fit an amazing amount of experiences into such a short period of time.
As far as education goes, I feel this is somewhat limited leaving high school with only the one GCSE in Art and Design. Although I would like to think that life experience has made up greatly for the lack of academic practice. This including such things as running my own company in the construction industry and superbike race team at British Superbike level.
From leaving school I immediately found full time employment to contribute financially towards one of the greatest passions in my life, this being motorcycle racing. Having competed successfully in the sport for over a decade, I now feel the time is right for me to sit back and be realistic about my future aspirations.
This is where the HND Interactive Media course comes into play. I strongly feel design and creativity have always been within me and where better to display this other than web design. This is a new direction I am eagerly awaiting to take and welcome the challenges that may lie ahead.
Securing a position as a web designer in the industry is obviously my main goal, along with many others including discovering my maximum potential, creating a professional portfolio and the ability to learn new skills. I feel that successful completion of the HND course will offer all these opportunities and more.
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