Maximum Meaning, Minimum Means

This morning saw a guest lecture from Naomi Games, daughter of Graphic Designer Abram Games.


Before today I hadn't really a clue of who he was, or the work that he had done throughout his life. I recognised a few of the pieces shown but it's not until you hear the story behind the master of poster design that you really get an idea of the work.

It was great being able to hear how he came about some of the final designs for his posters and the reasoning behind why he accepted some of the jobs - one being because he liked the look of the woman's legs! Through seeing his work right from the beginning to the end, it was clear to see how much of his own style he had, and also to learn his thoughts regarding the designing process; if they "don't work an inch high, they will never work." The idea being asserted that if it works well and looks good small, then it will look just as good, if not better, at a larger scale.



These four posters of his really stood out to me in the lecture. I was so impressed with the idea of the envelope in the 'Air Mail' poster being used to represent the 'A' and 'M' of the two words. Such a simple idea, yet showcased so brilliantly. It really is the simplicity in his work that I think really speaks to people. His philosophy of wanting to be able to communicate a message through the visual imagery only (without any type) is one to follow. You're doing a good job if you can create an image that doesn't need words to explain what it means/does.

The final thing to note is the 3 C's each Graphic Designer should have - concentration, curiosity, courage (and not to forget the cash and the cheques too!). 

Manifesto

A public declaration of principles, policies, or intentions, especially of a political nature.


Our second module during the first year was to create our own personal manifesto. Not only was this brief to make us think about how we would present and layout our individual manifestos but also make us think carefully about what work ethics we had, if any.

As inspiration and a guide for this brief we were told to look at the manifesto of designer, Bruce Mau. Being completely lost on direction with this at first, I found Mau's manifesto really useful. I had never before thought about my values as a designer.




I pastiched my design from the Lululemon manifesto as each point stood out against all others. There was nothing being overshadowed by something else, and with a manifesto I believe you really need to take into account everything, not just a small bit of it. 

After two years I still stand by everything that makes up my manifesto. I don't think I'd add or take away anything.

Benjamin Owen, Where Are You Going?

I am pleased to announce that my first project for this final year is complete. For the past 7 weeks I have been slaving away, putting my absolute all into this first piece and I can't be more chuffed! I introduce to you all my finished product; an educational children's picture book, 'Benjamin Owen, Where Are You Going?'


The book, targeted at children aged 3-6 years, helps to show the dangers around the home focusing on five areas; kitchen, lounge, stairs, bathroom and garden. With my hand-drawn illustrations and accompanying rhyme children are able to pinpoint what hazards they see in each room, teaching them what can be harmful to their little hands.

I wish to say a big thank you to Blurb for publishing my book to such a high standard. Having never used them before I was a bit anxious as to what the outcome would look like, but I really couldn't be happier.

Currently looking into making it available to the public to buy but doing my research first for somewhere that does it at a good price. Unfortunately I find Blurb a little too pricey and even I'm put off by the prices it would be sold at.

Dimensions: 7x7"
Cover: Hardcover, image wrap
Paper: Premium Lustre 148GSM

Book Binding Stress

With the deadline of GRD 311 two days away, I had to make sure that my back-up copy for my children's book was printed and bound incase UPS don't deliver my book to me tomorrow (which I'm pretty sure is going to be the case).

In true last-minute style I came across a couple of disasters, resulting in me having three attempts of making my own copy. Thankfully I can say I managed to resolve all issues pretty swiftly and have even got my evaluation out of the way also. Only thing left to do tomorrow is sort out my presentation for Thursday's hand-in. I'm not a great public speaker so I'm not looking forward to those 3 minutes at all. I know they're just going to drag so much and tomato face is going to come into play!



When my professionally printed copy arrives I should be able to put up photographs of some of the page spreads. At the moment I'm too scared to open my printed copy in the fear that it will just fall apart in my hands.