Brad Howell - Online Learning Journal

Aim High!

2009-04-04T16:04:00.004+01:00

With six assignments now in the bag, and only one remaining on the first year of the HND Interactive Media course, I feel now is a perfect time to reflect on the weeks gone by. Both A5: Builder and A6: The Big Picture came with their own degree of difficulty, however, having now successfully completed four assignments I felt I had what it took to achieve significantly improved results.

I went into A5 slightly apprehensive, as coding is something that I’d had no previous experience with. As it turns out my fears were unfounded, taking to the language relatively well. However, I must say that with out the help of the assigned guru’s (in my case Dan Dunsire) I’m sure the whole process would have proven much tougher!

Fortunately, all the hard work and dedication paid off, with A5 receiving a straight pass and A6 a merit! To simply to pass both assignments would have been fantastic, but to achieve the standard that would justify merit grade really pleased and motivated me for the remainder of the year.

Now several weeks into the final assignment my motivation for the course has never been higher, now knowing what is needed to achieve higher grades and having the inspiring result of a merit I feel very confident in the run up to the summer break.

Initial stages of A7: Rasterized (a client based assignment, involving such as the re-design the Raster-Noton logo) have gone reasonably well, although I have noted certain areas that could be improved. A better use of sketchbook work for initial ideas generation have been implemented for all design aspects of this assignment, something I now know is essential in achieving a successful design process.

R-N092 - Death of a Typographer.

2009-03-22T22:59:00.012Z

Byetone’s latest release, R-N092 - Death of a Typographer is arguably the most imaginative dance-centric release of the Raster-Noton discography to date. Exploding with all out, action packed digital excellence, containing a creative merge of sound, aesthetics and science. This album really is a true head ‘bender’. The release was recorded in a winter week in Berlin with the exception of pre-released single “Plastic Star” which was created in sunny Athens.

Olaf Bender, a.k.a. Byetone, is one of the co-founders of the Raster-Noton label and is also responsible for the sleek, minimalists look of the album labels design. Bender is considered a veteran of the electronic arts, providing an evolutionary, fresh approach in the creation of the new brainwashing beat that is Death of a Typographer. At just 0:49 seconds, track one "Intro Bios" (Intro) provides a brief yet hard-hitting introduction into the albums mind warping sound, consisting of a combined mix of reality and electronic excellence. The constant clash in tone and tempo create a unique bilateral feel, leaving the conscious mind to wander in a trance like state.

With the scene set you’re eased into a zone of electronic hedonistic pleasure. Deep in the underbelly of “Plastic Star” (Session), the spontaneous tone gently shifts up a gear, drifting into what can only be described as electro musical perfection. “Straight” and the tone takes an interesting twist, the initial beat slow and reduced in comparison to the predeceasing tracks. However, as with “Plastic Star”, beat and tempo increase slightly throughout, providing an elevated, hair raising experience. As cool as this may be, the track does become somewhat repetitive by the time the four minutes, fourteen seconds is up.

“Rocky” (soft) and it’s back to the familiar sedentary flourish of ever increasing tempo. By this point in the album a predictable theme is beginning to be set, resembling the pre intended ‘snap shot’ feel. The tracks methodical beat combined with a high pitch beep and flat tone introduction create an intense energetic flow. “Black is Back” introduces a slightly faster tempo from the off, with several short spells of silence. Tone and tempo continue on a climatic build, eventually flattening out to reveal an abundance of eccentric sound which gradually tapers off into smooth fattened tone. This track proceeds to flow perfectly into “Capture This” (Part 1), again increasing in momentum.

However the transition from “Capture This” (Part 1) to “Capture This” (Part 2) was quite the opposite, kicking off with a fast complex tempo, unlike the mild, subtle beat of its predecessor. “Heart” at 7:45 is quite a lengthy track, although well worth the listen and the wait! Familiar in many ways yet individual as all tracks featured on the album, “Heart” drops into a deep, dark sound. The track culminates with what sounds like the exit of the artist, notifying the completion of a masterpiece.

Ten tracks down and you are left mentally exhausted, deeply entwined and intrigued into the fascinating sound that is Death of a Typographer!

Ding ding, round two.

2009-02-02T15:52:00.001Z

As semester two commenced I received the unfortunate news that A3: Sounds Like a Plan had been referred. To be honest this was something I was expecting and had already prepared myself for the worst! I felt I had a strong package in respect to the academic written work, although I knew that my ideas generation phase of the assignment was weak and inadequate and feared this would cost me a pass, which ultimately it did.

A new submission date was set for the referred work leaving me less than a week to complete a whole new screen design from scratch. Along with the referral work for A3, we had also been issued our 5th & 6th assignments to be cracking on with, A5: Builder & A6: The Big Picture, providing me with a huge amount of work to get through. On a lighter note I received my results for A4: Typecast, which I’m pleased to say I passed, despite making a huge error during the typography exam.

With A3 now completed and re-submitted I feel I can focus my full attention on the forthcoming assignments, having already created a production schedule for both (something I deeply regret not doing for previous assignments). With the addition of this schedule I now have a clear view of the project objectives and believe it will help immensely with my time management and planning.

Moving into our third week of our second semester and we’re now well underway with both assignments, researching our Photoshop topics (curves & levels) for the group presentations of A6 and the introduction to XHTML for A5. I have to say I was quite apprehensive about starting the technical coding side of web design, however I’m really enjoying it so far and believe that I’ll take to it well.

Trial & Tribulation.

2009-01-14T22:43:00.001Z

Semester one of the HND Interactive Media course is over, and what a rollercoaster it’s been! Having looked back over the last fifteen weeks I’m amazed at the amount of knowledge I’ve gained on the modules covered so far. My enthusiasm for the course (as expected) has remained at a high level from the very beginning and feel confident this will be the case throughout the remainder of my time at Wakefield college. However, my commitment to each assignment has varied considerably, quite often making the mistake of focusing more time on one than another.

The referral of our second assignment (A2: A Journey of 1000 Miles) really knocked my confidence and having been informed this would be the easiest module of the sixteen had me questioning my ability to successfully complete the course, as I feel I’d done everything possible to attain a pass. However, after considering my referral points I realised the amendments that needed to be made weren’t too significant and would be fairly straight forward to correct to enable a pass.

Once A2 was passed and out of the way we were assigned our third and fourth assignments of the first semester; A3: Sounds Like a Plan and A4: Typecast. After reading both assignment sheets I was very excited and eager to get started, although worried that being faced with three assignments running simultaneously with one another I wouldn’t be able to keep up. Also the fact that project planning is not one of my strong points feared I would be unable to dedicate an equal amount of time to each project.

Unfortunately as expected this did in fact become an issue, with me spending the majority of self study time on A3 whilst A4 took a back seat. Hopefully this hasn’t effected my overall grade of the assignments and I’ll be able to achieve my first clear pass of the course, thus allowing me to focus my full attention on the projects ahead. Having now completed a quarter of the HND Interactive Media course I now intend to asses my approach to previous tasks, learn from my mistakes and create an action plan that I can utilise throughout the rest of the course, ultimately making me stronger and more capable of achieving success.

One area of my study I know needs more focus is A1: Sketchblog, an assignment that is ongoing throughout the duration. This assignment involves the use of a sketchbook used to collect pieces of annotated inspiration and develop our early design ideas using evolving thumbnails during the ideas generation process of a project. Unfortunately I often find myself too eager and jump straight into the electronic design phase rather than spend time drafting thumbnails.

I am aware that this needs to change if I’m to attain a pass for the Sketchblog assignment, therefore intend to address this issue by allocating a sufficient amount of time to ideas generation and learn to develop my designs in the correct manor. We are now about to begin our second semester, which to be honest is quite a scary thought! Nevertheless I’m looking forward to it, putting into practice everything I have learnt during the past fifteen weeks.

Back to the grind stone.

2009-01-08T19:00:00.006Z

I have to say I feel this could be the most difficult post yet, simply due to the fact that it’s been such a long time since the last! The Christmas break was a real double edge sword for me, I was glad of a rest as it gave me time to relax and wind down whilst leisurely getting things in order for A3 and A4, however the time out really did interrupt the flow of the assignments having a strong effect on my get up and go!

Prior to the holidays we were well under way with the mini assignments of A4 and have now completed an additional four to the previous Hokai and Vodafone projects, Type Trumps, Saints & Sinners, Grid and Story. I really have enjoyed taking part in these mini projects and feel I’ve learnt a lot from them in respect to issues such as time management and production/project planning, not to mention the design knowledge and experience gained.

All in all I would say that I’ve done reasonably well with all six projects with the exception of Saints & Sinners! Unfortunately I feel I may have made the mistake of choosing the wrong route for this design and feared turning back and starting over which resulted in a less than satisfactory piece.

We’ve now had our first week back at the grind stone and I must admit I’m starting to feel the pressure with both A3 and A4 deadlines fast approaching. The majority of the work is now complete and I feel that a good few days hard at it should see the end of them, I just hope that everything is in order, no mistakes have been made and that I might actually get my first clear pass of the course.

Perfect planning prevents poor performance.

2008-12-11T11:25:00.002Z

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!

Playing with Fireworks.

2008-11-27T01:19:00.005Z

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!

Oh… and to listen to Steve!

2008-11-12T02:16:00.017Z

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!

Avant Garde

2008-11-04T17:18:00.018Z

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 A vant 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

The eagle has landed.

2008-10-21T23:19:00.005+01:00

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.

Mac or PC?

2008-10-08T23:17:00.011+01:00

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.

Where I’ve come from; where I am now; where I’m going.

2008-10-01T12:12:00.007+01:00

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.