Alternative Techniques

As I mentioned within my SWOT Analysis, and also my evaluation of my last module, something I wanted to continue experimenting with was my sketchbook work. I found it difficult last year to work with paper, with one of my lecturers calling me a "paper-phobe." It wasn't that I didn't like to use paper for my ideas: I used scrap pieces and kept them in a messy organised pile on the edge of my shelf. I was just too much of a perfectionist. I wanted all of my work to look perfect.

This year, my first module was to create 5 sketchbooks. That seemed like a nightmare at the beginning, but it really worked and I soon found myself reaching for my sketchbooks to jot down ideas and notes instead of using scrap paper and never including it in my progress. Within the module following, I reverted back to InDesign as it was easier and quicker as there was no idea generation.

Within this module, I wanted to use a sketchbook again in hopes it would aid my final outcome: and also, continue to expand my annotation and paper use. And that it did.

Below I have included images of my research stage within my sketchbook. These pages were at the beginning, middle and end of my sketchbook: when using in design, I added all research to the beginning and never truly reverted back to integrate them within my idea generation. With this new way, I found myself realising there were aspects I needed to research again, and more thoroughly research to aid my ideas, such as materials, and ecologically friendly methods. It really helped my process be a smoother one.

As you can see, it was necessary for me to research into all kinds of areas: ecologically friendly packaging methods on the market, ecologically friendly materials and delivery systems, the brand itself and it's target audience, D&AD past entries and winners, competitors, other companies which had used our idea, and fashion trends.

Though I won't go too into detail right now on the idea, as I would like to save that for my final outcome blogpost, I have shared below my idea generation and process.


Though I am working as a pair, our research was conducted separately and we came together to discuss our ideas and communicate them back and forth. We also scheduled many meetings away from our college studio days, as a way to keep in touch with one another and make sure we were both on the right track. It was tricky, but it was worth it as having two heads instead of one meant we didn't get stuck on a bad idea and try to make it work: we were level headed, and told each other straight which direction we wanted to take, and both evaluated whether it was a good one.

Our idea generation was done quite separately. Keeping tabs on each other meant relaying our ideas to one another, but we went separately when it came to our sketchbooks. I think this was a good method to take as it meant we could both equally explore our own ideas before relaying them to our pair. I believe our final outcome is strong because of this.

Finally, I have really enjoyed working with a sketchbook. As this was my target for this module, I'm glad I have stuck to it as I feel my creations have been better for it: it's a lengthier process than jumping to the screen, but it's not as exhausting, and I found myself getting less bored and procrastinating less due to not having the distractions of the internet.

My other target was to work with a plan and follow it: I believe my partner and I both did this. I used the wanderlist app, a recent stumble upon, to keep a to do list that I could regularly update and check, and remember to actually write! (Thank god for smart phones and my addiction to checking it.) I also used my calendar app to keep updated on when my partner and I were meeting, what we needed to have done by a certain time, etc. It was really helpful for my time management and I even managed to schedule a weekend away from the whole project to celebrate my birthday in, right before deadline day. This is usually a time I am cramming and rushing to finish.

Overall, a big success, and I will be posting about my final outcome soon. I believe setting a target truly helped me within this module, so for my next module, my target is to continue to experiment with illustrator and use it as quite a big aspect of the project in order to gain more experience.

Alternative Techniques

Within this brief, we are required to participate in the D&AD New Blood Awards. A competition brief is something I have not yet tackled, and therefore I have little to no experience working on one in comparison to a client brief. Though quite similar in their format, there is quite a big difference: working with a client is limited, and the focus is constantly on meeting the requirements of the client. A competition brief on the other hand allows me the opportunity to push my design boundaries and to really dig deep into the brief, and get into the depths of creativity and imagination.

With this being something incredibly new to me, I created a SWOT analysis to aid my plan and targets, and evaluate my strengths and weaknesses to make my work the best it can be.

Strengths
This brief allows me to work as a pair. This could be viewed as a strength as it is not only myself, but also another creative combining to create a solution. I also believe I have learnt a lot of organisation skills in my previous projects which will aid me.

Weaknesses
Product design is something I have not yet tackled and therefore it may be quite difficult to understand. I want to challenge myself and add something different to my portfolio and therefore I feel it’s essential to undertake a brief I wouldn’t usually choose. Working as a pair may also be a weakness as it is difficult to combine ideas and create one solution. We may also clash and therefore have different directions we want to take. I would also like to strengthen my weakness by using Illustrator within this project, and gaining more skills on the program.

Opportunities
I have the opportunity to work on a competition brief, which in turn could allow my work to be viewed by many in the industry. I also have the opportunity to work as a pair, which will allow me to experience what it is like working in the industry.

Threats Working as a pair is a threat as it is not just solely me: I am reliant on another, and managing our time whilst also meeting outside of college hours could be difficult. This could be easily rectified by creating a plan and scheduling meetings which is similar to industry work.

My goal from my last module was to experiment with sketchbook work and create a sustainable plan. I will check in soon and update how it's going!