2011 reflection+ 2012 resolution.

So, it's 2012 now. That was quick. 2011 has certainly flown by and it's mental to think we're half way through our final degree year already. Not long now.

I'd say that a lot of progress was made in 2011, primarily in the form of industry experience; from the branding work at Hamlin Daniels, to experiencing a large scale advertising agency at BMB, to contributing to next years Edinburgh Fringe Festival campaign at Whitespace. All invaluable, enjoyable and confirmed without a doubt that I'm pursuing the right path. I learnt a lot and met some great people along the way.

University wise, the slightly more naive and relaxed days of 3rd year are but a distant memory. 4th year is overcast with the exciting yet ominous reality of graduating and entering the real world. This semester has been somewhat stop and go with placement interruption, dissertation distraction and an initial project false start, but I have two solid projects approaching completion and a few more on the go, industry experience under my belt and a well received essay draft to show for it. Not as productive as I'd have hoped, but on track.

2012, for me, is full of goals. Thought it might be helpful to write them down.

1. Achieve at least a B on my dissertation. I'd die of shock with an A.

2. As always, aim for a first-class honours. No point in not.

3. Enter as many D&AD and YCN briefs as I can. I think there's about 10 that I have my eye on.

4. Time permitting, I'd like to enter the Penguin Design Awards too.

5. Get a collaborative project on the go.

6. Put on a degree show that I can be proud of.

7. Get more familiar with InDesign.

8. Sort out at least two more work placements. Realistically, I don't think I can afford to lose any more time during semester, so they'll need to take place during summer. I have my eyes set on a few agencies.

9. New Blood. Make the most of it.

10. Be better.

dexter + beyond.

Over the last week or so I finally got around to watching Dexter. Two seasons down, and yes it's amazing. It reminded me of these posters I was shown earlier this year, created by Ty Mattson. I love them. Slick, original and striking.

Taking it to the next level, the posters were animated into a title sequence for the show with equally great results. I love the minimal, Saul Bass-esque 40s/50s motion graphic approach. The style seen elsewhere in Kuntzel and Deygas's work with Catch Me If You Can, and Pixar's The Incredibles and Monsters Inc, to name but a few.

Wish I had more time this year to explore the ideas inspired by it all. Alas. Will need to wait.

october.

So, an update.

Began my fourth, and final, year of uni which has brought along more change than I bargained for in the form of a new studio and new tutors. Unfortunate, but not entirely unsurprising. It did lead to a seemingly all-round period of adjustment that I know I didn't account for in my naively meticulous timetable, and subsequently didn't jump to work as quickly as I had hoped.

When I did get cracking though, I began work on an HMV project in which I aimed to campaign music lovers to support the physicality of the store over online. (Tangent; I just sneezed. It's kind of bizarre how different they can sound from person to person. It's like an inconvenient - but satisfying - burst of personality through your face. My Dad, for instance, has a theatrical-borderlining-obnoxiously loud one that commands attention, go figure.) Anyways, after weighing my options, I decided to not pursue said project when it became apparent that it wasn't as strong as I initially thought. Admitting defeat isn't a strength, but sometimes cutting your losses is the wisest move. Instead, I skipped to working on Orange Wednesdays, my second intended project which has been much more fruitful (pun semi intended).

False starts aside, I began my third placement last week at Whitespace in Edinburgh. It has put my uni projects on hold at a busy time, but it's been worth it. I was lucky enough to be assigned to working on next years Edinburgh Fringe which has been the perfect project really. I actually chose to pursue the agency after seeing their work with Johanna Basford on 2010's Fringe campaign, so it's fittingly come full circle. Can't divulge anything further, but it's pretty exciting.

That's that.

LDN.

So, I'm in London. Been spending some time at BMB in Covent Garden which has been nice. Definitely interesting to experience an agency of this scale, observing the process with major clients and absorbing the general creative atmosphere. Have to say I'm enjoying being in the big city as a non-tourist too.

Been doing bits and bobs of graphic work during my time here so far. I've particularly enjoyed my task of yesterday and today to re-imagine a selection of posters for the agencies "Gig in the Garden" (inviting singers/bands to play to the employees). I chose to focus on the combination of musical elements with being in the garden in the hope that it would provide interesting visuals. I think it did, my favourites probably being the watering can sheet music and the hose-microphone.

v-v-v-vector face.

So, I made this iPad on illustrator. Chuffed with the results.

Should prove a great way to frame work in a more engaging manner. Might try an iPhone next to join it.

The design displayed is my submission to the 'Design Against Fur' competition. Still waiting on the results of that, I hope something comes of it but don't want to get my hopes up. It's a departure from their typical pickings, so I guess it's make or break. If not, myself and course-mate Sam have plans to collaborate, taking the design into apparel and creating a campaign. The idea being to promote faux fur as an alternative in a more fashion editorial approach than crude guilt tripping, which although gets the point across in a direct manner, can often be counter productive - similar to that of typical charity ads. Engage, not point fingers.

In other news; I finally got round to watching Mad Men. Swell.

diamond wedding anniversary invitation.

Diamond wedding anniversary invitation design for my Grandparents.

I wanted to create something that contrasted with the overtly feminine, flowery visuals that typically frequent such events. I think the result successfully achieves both an appropriate and personal approach, whilst remaining a slick piece of graphic design that stands out.

Congratulations to the happy couple and happy clients.

update.

It's been a while.

I've been slacking with my self-directed bits and bobs. It's amazing how quickly you can fall into a procrastinating rut. I already feel rusty.

It's not been completely devoid of creativity lately though. I spent this week on work experience/placement/whatever the kids are calling it these days, in Edinburgh at Hamlin Daniels, a brand communications consultancy. I've really enjoyed my time there. The team are friendly, helpful and more than willing to engage in discussions of the industry and beyond. I was given a live brief to contribute to a health food company rebranding and event promotion, which allowed me to tag along to meet the client and witness the early stages of planning. I've been asked back this week to finish my contribution as they'd like to use it, which is exciting.

Beyond that, my next excursion into the grown up world is at the end of August, where I've secured a few weeks experience at BMB in London. The large scale agency will offer a contrasting insight into the industry, which I'm looking forward to. In September, I have another few weeks organised to spend with Whitespace in Edinburgh...who's forte in digital media will provide even further insight. Pretty chuffed all round with the placements, hopefully a couple more in 2012 will allow me to graduate with a solid foundation of experience to move forward with.

Speaking of which, I'm only a bloody year away from graduating! This is nerve-wracking to say the least already. I feel there's so much more to learn and so much I want to cram in to the coming months both academically and socially to make the most of it. The year of the 'last ever's, not to mention the official end to the bubble of youth. That's before you even factor in the inevitable stress of the degree work and subsequent show. Massive question mark hovering over what that will entail.

I had hoped visiting the degree shows (ECA, DJCAD, RGU) would spark some inspiration, but really it only ignited worry. Perhaps that's a necessary evil. I wouldn't say I was blown away by any of them, but then again I'm not sure it's fair to expect that. In the cynical mind of an art/design student, anything that stands out is usually met with eye-rolls in regard to the pretension associated with it or work-envy. I think being in this frame of mind makes you overly analytical of the what/why/when/where/how, making it increasingly difficult to simply enjoy as a casual spectator. What I did take from it though is; when you've seen one graphic design degree show, you've seen them all. The concepts usually stay the same, but the quality differs. Gray's certainly benefited from having a more open Visual Communication course.

I hope that I will produce something that stands out, something that warrants more than a fleeting glance. Easier said than done. Especially if you're simultaneously hoping to appeal commercially. Alas.

So that's what's been going on in my head recently. With a heavy filtration system in place of course, or we'd be here all night. In other news; Harry Potter. End of an era.