Self Promotional Material

This studio portfolio utilises a very simple design but in an effective way. The simple colour palette and design allows experimentation to be had through the type; this typographic aspect of the design is something I would like to incorporate into my design.

The pagination of this studio portfolio is particularly interesting, it folds out using a concertina fold allowing the work to still be clearly showcased but adding a little more creativity into the design. The use of the greyboard is also makes it a little more unusual and diverse. I want to use screenprinted greyboard for my business cards, so incorporating it into how I showcase my work would help tie the two elements together.

Business Card

This is the design for my business card. I want to print this on greyboard (white screenprint if possible) and have the rear blank but a bright colour. 

I have kept the design simple as I want the focus to be on the type and the message the type is conveying.

Business Card Inspiration

...these are various business cards that have given me inspiration for my own design.

MadeThought

MadeThought produce some incredible designs, they are all well considered design solutions (predominantly print based design.)

Applying for a Cargo page...

Today I have applied for a Cargo account, so now it's just a matter of waiting!

ONLINE PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

Over the past few days I have begun to build up and create my professional online presence using a variety of different networks...

I already have a social twitter page, so I have created another twitter page which is going to be solely used for the purpose of my design on a professional level. I am only following design related members (although I may begin to follow some of my friends and fellow peer who are also concerned with the design industry)
 

I have also just set up a pinterest account, this will allow me to 'pin' any inspirations I find; the way in which pinterest allows you to have multiple boards will allow me to categorize the different pieces of design I come across.

I have also set up a tumblr account and created two blogs: one which will contain designs which interest/inspire me and another which will contain my own design work (I have yet to add to this page!) I am really enjoying finding design work on tumblr; there is a wealth of creative work to discover, all of which I can curate on my own blog for reference.

I have also considered joing Cargo Collective and am going to look into getting a page via the site. This will act as another platform in which I can showcase my work from.

 
Behance is another site I have previously joined in order to showcase my work from as it is a very design focused network. However, I desperately need to take professional looking images of my work in order for me to be able to establish myself on a professional level. So this is going to be my task on Monday when im back in the studio, this will then enable me to upload my own work onto my profile on the site.

I have created an Etsy account and am going to use this to sell any spare prints that I have from the InPress exhibitions/sales. 

I have considered other design sites too....

These are two sites I came across through researching into the others, however, I do not think they carry as much design work. Consequently, I am not going to use these and am instead going focus on developing my status on the other platforms I have already reached. I also want to ensure I am able to keep all my networks up-to-date so if I keep network fairly small for now, I will be able to keep them all focused.

OUGD204 End of Module Evaluation

Throughout this module I have developed core typographical skills which I can now apply effectively to my own design work. I have also developed an eye to critically analyse design work I view in order to gauge, what I consider to be, good and bad typography. Collecting these sources and filing them in my journal has allowed me to create a reference point which I can access at any time. I am keen to find effective experimental typography, so I can infuse these designs into my own work. Most importantly I have learnt to deal with the type first when designing, the imagery comes later. In doing this it has enabled me to ensure the type is fitting to the content of the document. Working in this strategical manor and considering all elements of the design process taught to us, such as the use of grids, hierarchy, typefaces etc, the end result is evidently considered and effective to it’s purpose. Nevertheless, I do feel I need to continue discovering and analyzing different typefaces to then allow me to easily and quickly choose the typeface I feel appropriate to the job; this can be done in my type journal.
All in all, I have thoroughly enjoyed this typography elective and the work I am now producing as a result of this typography elective utilises the skills I have developed and as I progress with these typographic skills I can begin to play and twist the rules of typography.

Manchester Print Fair

So, we sent our InPress leftover prints to the Manchester Print Fair with college. I priced my triangular postcards at £1.50, this was an increased price from our event but I felt people would be willing to pay more for a print at a print fair.

Today we got our prints back and I had sold 6 of my prints, which is EXCELLENT! Very happy.

Potential Email Content

Hello.

I am a graphic design student from Leeds College of Art with a particular interest in retail design and printed matter. I have seen your work and am really inspired by what you do; your diverse approach to each project results in truly fresh designs. I would love to know more about your working practice and wondered if it would be possible to visit your studio to see what you do? I would highly appreciate the opportunity to do this as it would enable me to develop as a designer and pursue the possibility of working within the field of retail design.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Kirsty Fruin

CV

My CV I have created doesn't seem overly 'creative' a such, but again I want the focus to be on the type and layout; the creativeness can come out of the work I showcase and the way in which I initially contact the studio.

'Making My Mark'

Design sheets for 'making my mark'.....
Business Card
CV
PDF to send to studios.
Printed showcase of work.

Contact PDF

I have begun today thinking about designing a PDF to send to potential studios. I want make the PDF visible within the email as soon as it is opened, therefore I need the PDF to be eye catching but also contain enough information to put the PDF into context....

design scans

This is the first design I have worked on, I have used vibrant colours as a way of getting their attention. However, there is something about the design which I am not sure about so I am going to play around with the aesthetic and may even scrap this altogether.

With this I want to attach my CV which will be typographically based (using the knowledge I had learnt in my type elective.) Therefore, I can afford for this PDF to be creative as the important information will come later.

Proud Creative

This studio is just simply amazing. They have such an eye for clean design and know exactly how to get it right. Each of their designs are well considered and it really shows in their work.

Septemer Industry

Don't know why I haven't blogged this until now, but this is an 'online design journal' dedicated to curating the finest design out there (and that is exactly what it does.) It is an extremely useful and exciting resource to follow. Going to keep an eye on this one!

Departures

Departures design studio specialise in brand identity, print and digital communication. It is the print element of what they do that I am particularly concerned with. The design this company produces is bold, clean and clearly communicates a message.

TASK 3 - SAMPLES OF WORK (Research & Analysis)

Working in both print and web related design, this designer has made their work available via both mediums (the book and website).

Strengths:

The design works across both print and web design.
The design and colour scheme is strong, bold and memorable.
All the relevant contact information has been provided.
Contains a CV as well as examples of work.

Weaknesses:

It isn't anything unique, it has all been done before.

Opportunties:

Inform potential employers of them and their skill set which may lead to a potential job.

Threats:

Other deisgners.
The lack of a need for graphic designers within the field of work the designer wishes to specialise in.
The information not being received as the designer had intended.

TASK 3 - SAMPLES OF WORK (Research & Analysis)

Because Studio's self promotional mailer showcasing work from the past 6 months.

Strengths:

Very well designed.
Colour combinations work well and are eye-catching.
Imaginative; it utilises a mix of different mediums through the use of stitching, shiny bubble wrap package etc.
Work is presented clearly and concisely.

Weaknesses:

The book format of presenting work has been done many times by many other designers. It is not unique. 


Opportunities:

New clients may see the work and feel they wish to contact the studio.
Other studios may see there work and want to collaborate with them.
New networks may be established within the design industry.

Threats:

Other designers/studios sending out similar work to similar potential clients.
Not receiving enough paid work to pay for the studio/production of the promotional material.
The promotional material is ignored.
There is a lack in the need for graphic designers.
Newly graduated graphic designers are willing to do the same work the studio has to offer but at a reduced price/free, which will then take the client base away from this established studio.

TASK 3 - SAMPLES OF WORK (Research & Analysis)

This CV has taken the requirements of the job position and made them into 3D objects which demonstrate the assets of the designer. This creative CV is extremely tailored to the position being applied for (Qatar Airways searching for a product photographer.)

Strengths:

The designer has thoroughly researched into the company (it's ethos, brand identity etc.) and consequently produced work which demonstrates this understanding by using these qualities throughout their designs.
The samples of work produced are relevant to the company/position available, they are not just pointless pieces of design.

Weaknesses:

It doesnt appear to be very well made.
The design element is weak (maybe because it is for a photographer position)
It could only be sent to the one company as it is so specific.

Opportunities:

Can fill the suitcase with more material as the designers skill set develops.
Potential job opportunity. 

Threats:

Other designers.

TASK 3 - SAMPLES OF WORK (Research & Analysis)

Sending just one sample of work could be a more effective approach if it is going to make a big impact. It would need to be well designed and well considered in terms of how the receiver interacts with it. The above is an example of this. I am not keen on the imagery, but the clever use of folds and typography makes it work.

Strengths:

Interactive; the receiver will physically have to interactive with the poster in order to reveal the full poster.

Weaknesses:

The contact information is incredibly small and printed just down the side of the poster. This content could possibly be printed on the back of the poster alongside other information about the designer.
There is very little information posed about the designer and what they can offer the company, they are only demonstrating a small skill set via the poster design itself.
It is digitally printed which does not demonstrate any advanced techniques the designer may have.

Opportunities:

If researched well and the poster is sent to companies who deal with the same matter, a potential job could come of it. However, the poster needs to be tailored to whoever it is being sent to (i.e. traditionally printed for a company who specialises in print)

Threats:

Many people may send the company digitally produced posters, so it needs to include a USP that will make yours stand out.

TASK 3 - SAMPLES OF WORK (Research & Analysis)

Self Promo Mailer

This self promotional mailer package treats the designer as a product, demonstrating and listing the skill set. (However, I would not have priced the skills at £0.00 as it then doesn't say much for your skills).

Strengths:

Visually appealing. Effective use of colour throughout the mailer.
Contains all the relevant information a potential employed would expect to see and want to know.
The book gives the receiver the opportunity to view the design work.

Weaknesses:

Some of the content of the box do not seem to have a purpose (i.e. the badges and receipt booklet)

Opportunities:

Potential clients could offer the designer possible work.
The designer is getting her name known.
The designer can send the mailer to a specialised list of companies.

Threats:

Other designers also mailing samples of work out to the same companies.
The cost of producing and sending each mailer.

TASK 3 - SAMPLES OF WORK (Research & Analysis)

'A breath of fresh air'

I am not keen on the graphics of this promotion product whatsoever, but the idea of sending out fictional products which demonstrate your USP is something to consider. With a little consideration into the design element (in order to showcase you skill set) this could be a memorable self promotional method.

Strengths:

An innovative idea which will stand out from the usual paper based media sent as promotional material.

Weaknesses:

Little contact information, skills set, work experience.
Could direct viewer to online material whereby these can be viewed.
Product will need to be well manufactured in order to create an impact; this may be both costly and timely.

Opportunities:

Product can be adapted to suit the company it is being sent to, it then becomes more personal to the receiver as well as the sender.
Can begin to network and create a client contact list as a result of sending the promotional product out.

Threats:

Cost of producing and sending product.

TASK 3 - SAMPLES OF WORK (Research & Analysis)

Using an existing form and method of delivery put putting the sender's own information into it's context. This could be achieved with a variety of different medias.

Strengths:

Is something a little different, not just your usual poster etc.
It has a good visual/typographic balance.

Weaknesses:

A lot of content/pages. Need to ensure the viewer remains engaged throughout.

Opportunities:

The format of the newspaper can remain the same but the content and colour scheme can change.
An easy way to demonstrate your skills set rather than just listing them.

Threats:

May be compared to other real newspaper designs.

TASK 3 - SAMPLES OF WORK (Research & Analysis)

This hardback book is the promotional material for a designer; as well as showcasing their work throughout the pages, the designer has also included a tear out page to the rear of the book which can be filled in and sent back to the sender via the pre-addressed envelope.

Strengths:

The RSVP page and pre-addressed envelope provides a direct way for the receiver to contact the sender.
The work is well printed in order to allow the designer's work to clearly showcased.
If it is well crafted, the receiver may take more time to look at it.

Weaknesses:

It will cost a lot of money and take a lot of time to produce many of these hardback books.
They may be fairly expensive to send out.
Receiver may just flick through the book if there are many pages and get bored. The pages will therefore need to be strategically considered in order to keep the viewer interested throughout.

Opportunities:

Pages can be added to the book as the designer's portfolio grows.
Can send to a direct/selected list of designers they wish to contact. This list can be researched by the sender beforehand.

Threats:

Cost of sending the book to many designers.
Cost of producing the book.

TASK 3 - SAMPLES OF WORK (Research & Analysis)

This promotion poster could be sent as a PDF email or printed and sent as a physical piece of design to the viewer. The small personal selling point presented in bold uppercase type creates a visual hierarchy whereby that is the first piece of information you read. You then become intrigued as to what else they have to offer so will read on. This is a very effective way to get the attention of your audience, especially if the statement presented reveals a unique selling point; this would be extremely effective if it were to be present upon well considered stock and printed with due care and attention (maybe even screen-printed).

Strengths:

The statement presented creates intrigue and makes you want to read on and reveal more about the sender.
Relevant contact information is present.

Weaknesses:

The statement presented need to reveal more of a USP in order to intrigue the viewer more and make you stand out from other candidates.
Little other information is included about the sender (work experience, skill set etc.)
Could use a traditional print technique and not just digital in order to give the work more aesthetic appreciation from the receiver.

Opportunities:

 Graphic design field is always looking for candidates with new unique selling points and skills that their current team do not have.

Threats:

Other designers also looking for potential graphic design work.
The lacking need for designers.
Companies that do not offer work experience.

TASK 3 - SAMPLES OF WORK (Research & Analysis)

Self Promotional Poster

This poster has been used by the designer to showcase not only her skills as a creative but also her personality in day-to-day life. The poster has been considered to allow it to open up in strategical manor which highlights different areas of her life on each fold.

Strengths:

A visual device which is going to be sent to visual learners. 
Relevant contact information is present to allow the viewer to contact the designer.

Weaknesses:

Could be difficult to take in if it isn't opened to reveal each section in the correct order.
Looks a little bit cluttered, maybe too much going on and too much for someone to take in if they have a lot to view.
It is not personal to the viewer.
May cost a fair bit to produce.

Opportunities:

Designer can continually update and change the content of the piece whilst allowing the structure to remain. 
Design work.
A job within the design industry.


Threats:

The design industry is extremely competitive.
May not get work as a result of sending the poster out.