Design Principles Evaluation
Researching into contemporary publications helped to kickstart my creative process, along with experimenting with a range of mediums such as digital and analogue processes such as bookbinding and paper cutting. This was in order to make my publications engaging and push the boundaries of publication design. Physically holding them made me appreciate how bespoke and personal a publication can be using simple analogue techniques. I transferred research from studio brief 01 into studio brief 02 because they both have similar purpose.
Reflecting on my practice since the beginning of the course, I feel more confident with publication design and book binding techniques. This is something I aim to take into second year. Diagnosing what a book can do allowed me to produce an engaging publication that focuses on the Gestalt Principles. Cutting into the pages was a concept that influenced me during my early research and I adapted my design to suit it. I enjoyed creating the visual content without the need to print and I took advantage of the study tasks by using colour theory to create contrast. The layers of stock create tactility which charms the audience. I tried to include as many design principles that I could when producing both of my publications, however studio brief 02 allowed me to practice more variables because I was creating a larger publication. I would have liked to have spent more time on studio brief 02 because it was an opportunity to explore techniques that I haven’t done before. However I spent too much time creating studio brief 01 and as a result I had to compromise a lot for studio brief 02. I was very proactive at the start of the brief as I booked myself into a laser cutting induction and became inspired in the bookbinding workshop. This shows the importance of attending workshops and I aim to continue broadening my skills and taking advantage of the facilities in the college.
During the module I used a range of techniques and processes to create both publications. I liked using analogue processes because I could plan ahead and visualise what to do better than when I digitally print. An example of this was creating a mock up was really beneficial because I could make a rough note of the layout and coloured stock required for that page and then use InDesign to create a consistent and appropriate layout. The composition of the pages as a double page spread was important to me as I wanted the content to be predominantly visually engaging with a simple and concise copy. I feel like I have achieved this, however I would have liked to explore more contemporary typesetting to make both copy and imagery more engaging.
What Youth magazine influenced my page composition a lot for studio brief 02. It broadened my perspective of editorial design, introducing me to more contemporary and post-modern design. I didn’t express this as much as I would have hoped because I am still learning the basic principles of design and typesetting. Creating a grid system for my publications was very beneficial, however even though I completed study tasks and research on the subject, I still wasn’t confident. Vignelli's Canon was a publication that helped to me find grid systems appropriate for the purpose of my publications. This is evident in studio brief 02 a lot more than studio brief 01.
I aimed my publication for design students and creative practitioners because the purpose of the publications was to educate and engage with the audience with stimulating visuals. This is appropriate for my target audience because they'll share an interest in design principles and will appreciate the unique presentation and craftsmanship. I enjoy creating publications that feature artwork because it provides opportunity to express and break the rules of design in order to impact the audience more. I feel that I achieved this more in studio brief 01.
I strived to make my publications as professional as possible which is why I had studio brief 02 professionally printed. This was an appropriate decision however due to bad organisation I had my final print out document mixed with a previous version. This deleted alterations from a previous test print. From this experience I can be more diligent and organised, especially when I’m not printing it myself. I tried to make as many informed decisions as I could by referencing theorists such as Mueller-Brockman and practicing designers such as Eike Konig I have gained inspiration that I can take further into the future. My practice is developing through the course so I hope I can add my personal style into the briefs and become a contemporary designer.
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