OUGD401: Studio session 1 - Critical analysis.

As an introduction to this session we took the four pieces of graphic design we had chosen from the task and laid them out on the studio tables. We were asked to label our pieces on the reverse with an L for the pieces we liked and a D for the ones we disliked. We were asked to rotate tables in our groups so that we were stood infront of a whole new set of graphic design which another group had found. Together we were asked to Identify which were the ones that were labelled with a D and then again with an L. Turning the Images over we were able to Identify how successful we had been in our decisions.  Each of the tables/ groups found that they had almost identically identified which of the images belonged to the owners chosen categories. 

From this we realised that we all some what analyse using a common set of rules.

We then derived a criteria in which we would all analyse and critique the effectiveness, visual quality and appropriateness of graphic design within.

This criteria included the assessment of:colour, layout, communication, visual content, non-visual content, function, quality of execution, legibility, audience, context, concept, message, media/method of production.

We were then put on what Fred calls a diet. Which is also a criteria of the steps we should take in order to analyse and give feedback.

The DIET.

D - Describe. (What do you see?)

I - Interpet. (What do you understand from the piece?)

E - Evaluate. ( Is it good/bad/effective/ unsuccessful, why?)

T - Theorise. (What can be done to improve?)

Armed with this DIET and a thorough criteria we got back into our groups, in which we split into pairs. Here we were asked to pick one of the pieces of graphic design we had brought in. We then analysed individually using the DIET and commenting upon our unique criteria our own piece of work and the piece our partner had chosen.  After critiquing these two images separately we joined together to discuss our outcomes. Below are our observations combined. 

I had chosen to investigate and resolve the paper cut poster by Damien O'Hara.

(http://strictlypaper.com/blog/2011/08/fairy-tales-and-monsters-paper-cut-by-damian-ohara/)

Describe:
- Image created via the use of paper cut.
- fluidity keeps the eye moving in an intricate way.
- The use of fluid line connects imagery of 25 different fairytales together.
- Bold use of white which is also consistent in the appearance of text.
- Use of fluid and flowing lines is also incorporated into the title of the piece.

Interpret:
- An illustration/publication about fairytales and monsters.
- A poster for an event.
- A publication to inform/invite its audience
- Arts festival
- Films, books, art?

Evaluate:
- I think this piece excels visually, each image intertwined into the overall piece is elegantly combined to create a visual of wondering through a fairytale. The composition is unusually clever, fairytales and monsters placed upon the flowing vines of a girls hair.
- Subtleness. Creates curiosity and a want to look further into the piece.
- Type is a reflection of the image.  

Theorise:
- The piece needs more information. It is for an arts festival but this is unidentifiable from the piece. 
- Therefore it is felt there is already some kind of back ground knowledge needed to understand the pieces intentions.

- The sponsors are only linked by colour. No indication of what they are.


My partner Anisha had chosen to investigate and resolve a typographic poster 'LaTour Eiffel' by Brazil based designer, Jonotan Xavier.

(http://www.behance.net/gallery/Free-Typeface-Deco-Neue/2919157)

Describe: 

- A photograph of the Eiffel tower.

- Text 'LaTour Eiffel' composition is placed straight over image.

- Use of different colours in text.

- Different sizes in text.
- Hazy filter used over photo.

Interpret:
- A poster advertising the Eiffel tower? one in particular that makes it seem more beautiful than it is.

- A poster that almost promotes the Eiffel tower as the ideal. A luxurious place to visit.
- A photographic poster used only for decoration.

- Actually a poster representing a typeface.

Evaluate:
- Nice use of filter thus fabricating atmosphere.
- No idea what it is for?
- Good use of colour. Semantics of paris, black and white fashion (font) and photography.
- Good visual balance. Use of colour and central alignment.

Theorise: 

- Re think composition of type? but it behind tower? more subtle advertising?

After analysing these pieces together we returned to studio 3 where we made a list on what factors we had used to measure the criteria to, here is our list:

Layout

Colour

Context

Function

Visual Content

Non Visual Content

Composition

Concept

Legibility

Communication

Visual Quality.

OUGD401: Task - Likes and Dislikes of Graphic Design.

Off the back of our first Design Principles session (Tues 23rd Oct) we were set a task for our next Design Context session (Fri 26th Oct) to find 4 images of graphic design in a5 scale, 2 of which we liked and two we disliked. 

These are the pieces I have chosen of what I like:

(http://strictlypaper.com/blog/2011/08/fairy-tales-and-monsters-paper-cut-by-damian-ohara/)

This is a poster designed to promote an arts festival in London called 'Fairytales and Monsters'. The piece created via paper cutting and digital design by Irish Graphic designer Damien O'Hara represents my love for organic design and intricacy. This represented between the fluid interaction between each image and line. I also like the use of minimal colour, white being the most dominant which reminds me of one of my favourite processes, blind embossing.

(http://paranoidme.com/ALQUIMIA-TYPE-TYPOGRAPHY)

Although I don't normally like geometric design I have become very interested in the process and product of type and I am now more appreciative of the outcome of type. I prefer the use of calming colours evident in the use of purple which is accentuated through the combination of neutral colours. I also like how the gradient has been applied to compliment the font, thus reiterating a more organic appearance than a geometric one.

These are the pieces I have chosen of what I dislike:

(http://www.flintriver.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/7f26cdaf392d7e0259f1e3d4446768ad86473d91_m.jpeg)

I do not like the art deco movement of which this work has originated from. Art deco contains a lot of motifs that celebrated progressing technologies such as trains, planes, cars and skyscrapers. gradients are used to give a metallic effect to substitute that metals could not be used in paintings. The progress of the art deco movement was reflected in a calibre of design, architecture, interiors and graphic design. Another element I find i do not like in the art deco movement is the use of geometric shapes and vivid colour. 

(http://designinstruct.com/graphic-design/creating-abstract-geometric-artwork-in-illustrator/)

A stark contrast in colour and bold use of geometric shapes. There is no fluidity to the piece or existence of an obvious purpose. Although I do like the use of minimalism, the lack of flexibility is too bold for my taste.  The composition lacks interest and does not push my mind to consider the piece more.

OUGD403: Message & Delivery: Research.

Studio Brief - Message & Delivery: Research

Create a body of visual research in response to a story, issue or theme found in the national press tomorrow, Tuesday 23rd October.

Background / Considerations.

The willingness and ability to formulate informed opinions about your subject matter is an essential skill for a graphic designer.

In addition to being aware of events, concerns and the (un)popularly held opinions of the world around you, you also need to consider the tone of voice with which they are reported.

It is important that you read the stories thoroughly and research issues that are raised fully before committing your self to a visual opinion.

You can be serious, humorous, questioning, opinionated, bold, or subtle.

After receiving this brief I purchased four different newspapers, not only to get a range of stories but to study the tone of voice in which the stories are being told. When picking a news story we were advised to pick something of a light hearted nature as we would be working with it for the fourth coming weeks. 

In result of looking through several newpapers I found a story in the Independant about an apparent talking whale, captured off the coast of Canada and brought to a reserve in California. In order to understand the story both periodically and visually I looked at the piece across five different sources and incorporated the information I had learnt into a comic strip.

Glossary for links of images in order of comic strip:

1. http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc14/roadrunner_876/Walvisvangst_bij_de_kust_van_Spitsb.jpg

2. http://www.dive.is/Diving_Iceland.php?page=Silfra

3. http://fhwordsmith.com/500-beluga-whales/

4. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/hear-the-surprising-audio-of-a-beluga-whale-singing-like-a-human/

5. http://d4nations.com/webpubl/images/voice-400x350.jpg

6. http://cruises.about.com/od/mexicanrivieracruises/ig/Gray-Whales-of-Magdalena-Bay/Gray-Whale-Meets-Small-Boat.htm

7. http://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/captive-beluga-whale-imitated-human-voices_1.jpg

8. http://www.xray-mag.com/files/imagecache/Front_425/kochetova_bel04_0.jpg

9. http://www.scubadivemaldives.com/2010/01/padi-open-water-diver-certification/

10. http://ed101.bu.edu/StudentDoc/current/ED101fa10/lizabeth/images/whale%20blowhole.jpg

11. http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2012/10/23/article-1350983257979-15A0E2A7000005DC-329725_466x310.jpg

quotes and sources:

1. In the 18th century. Whalers who heard Whales singing beneath their ships believed they were listening to the souls of drowned men.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2012/oct/23/noc-whale

2. it was thought at first that those sounds being produced were a reaction from sesmic shifts that took place between tectonic plates.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2012/oct/23/noc-whale

3. Cetaceans such as the blue, fin and sperm whale were classed as the loudest animals on the planet, with belugas being the most vocal.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2012/oct/23/noc-whale

4. In 1997 I, noc the beluga whale was captured off the coast of canada. He was kept in an open ocean open pen at the us national marine mammal foundation in san diego ca. here he took part in vocal and acoustic research.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/who-told-me-to-get-out-noc-the-talking-whale-learns-to-imitate-human-speech-in-attempt-to-reach-out-to-human-captors-8221800.html

5.SAM RIDWAY, A RESEARCHER AT THE FOUNDATION COMPARED THE SOUNDS NOC (BELUGA WHALE) MADE TO THE PATTERNS OF THE HUMAN VOICE. 

Information sourced from: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/who-told-me-to-get-out-noc-the-talking-whale-learns-to-imitate-human-speech-in-attempt-to-reach-out-to-human-captors-8221800.html

6.whales make noise via the nasal passage rather than creating sounds, as humans do, through the larynx. 

information sourced from: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/who-told-me-to-get-out-noc-the-talking-whale-learns-to-imitate-human-speech-in-attempt-to-reach-out-to-human-captors-8221800.html

7. after this abnormal progress noc had made to ajust the way in which he makes sounds, researchers believed he must have had incentive to contact humans.

Information sourced from: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/353864/The-whale-who-learned-how-to-talk-to-humans

8.Noc began to make sounds alike to those of humans. scientists believe he was trying to mimic people around him.

Information sourced from: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/who-told-me-to-get-out-noc-the-talking-whale-learns-to-imitate-human-speech-in-attempt-to-reach-out-to-human-captors-8221800.html

9. The whale was only discovered as the source of this sound when a diver surfaced the whale enclosure curious to who was telling him to get out.

INFORMATION SOURCED FROM http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/353864/The-whale-who-learned-how-to-talk-to-humans.

10. Captors of noc soon realised he had made extensive changes (near his blowhole) unusual to the anatomy of a whale in order to create these humanlike sounds.

information sourced from: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/who-told-me-to-get-out-noc-the-talking-whale-learns-to-imitate-human-speech-in-attempt-to-reach-out-to-human-captors-8221800.html

11. After 4 years of mimicing the human voice, noc returned to making noises like the rest of his whale companions.

information sourced from: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/who-told-me-to-get-out-noc-the-talking-whale-learns-to-imitate-human-speech-in-attempt-to-reach-out-to-human-captors-8221800.html

The five sources I reviewed the story from are, my original source, The Independent newspaper followed by The Independent online, The Express online, The Guardian online and The sun online. 

Here I analysed the way in which each of these publications use language and tone of voice to portray the story through headline and text.

Upon the idea of mammals communicating with humans I thought of a story I had seen in a documentary earlier in the year In which interaction between Mammal, particularly a dolphin in this case and man. 

'Dolphin Boy' as the documentary is called which can be viewed on the 4OD website Is a real life story of a teenager called Morad, from Israel. Morad is a sufferer of post traumatic stress disorder as a result of being attack by a gang of boys over what they considered a flirtatious text message to one of their younger sisters. 

After two months of no communication with any other human being, remaining mute and unresponsive Morad's had officially disassociated himself from his own reality. His psychiatrist had one last idea to bring Morad back, Dolphin therapy.   

Text in photo above:

A Beaten Teenager Seeks Solace in Another Species ‘Dolphin Boy,’ a Documentary by Dani Menkin and Yonatan Nir.

‘The boy is Morad, a young Arab from a village in northern Israel who, in 2006 at age 17, sent an innocent text message to a girl in his class and was savagely beaten by her brother and his friends. The attack left him mute, unresponsive and suffering from what his psychiatrist, Dr. Ilan Kutz, described as a severe case of post-traumatic dissociation.’

‘When two months of conventional treatment yielded little improvement, Dr. Kutz decided to try an outlier therapy: swimming with dolphins at the Dolphin Reef in Eilat,’

‘Rejecting human interaction, Morad comes alive underwater among the gentle animals.’

(http://movies.nytimes.com/2012/04/27/movies/dolphin-boy-a-documentary-by-dani-menkin-and-yonatan-nir.html)

“Studies show that dolphins have a preference for personal communication with humans. They like it,” says Kutz. “They have a smiling mask, they talk, they like to be cuddled, plus they show a preference when they like someone, so I think all of this is very healing.”’

‘Blood samples analyzed before and after the therapy show a changes in hormones, endorphins, enzymes and T-cell counts. Although researchers have yet to determine how this happens, ongoing studies are encouraging.’

‘Eilat’s reef is unique in that it provides a natural, open aquatic space for the dolphins. They are free to come and go as they please and are never forced to interact with humans.’

(http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/good-news/dolphin-boy-documentary-draws-attention-value-dolphin-therapy-154805475.html)  

I also began to look at the Idea of other animals mimicking humans such as parrots. 

'In the wild, flocks of parrots don’t talk like people, but they do seem to develop distinct local dialects, and mated pairs may even sing unique duets. It’s unclear exactly why they evolved this capability, but research suggests they use it to tell members of their group apart from members of rival groups. Birds seem more likely to respond to calls that are familiar to their own, and they ostracize individuals that don’t speak their language, so to speak. This may allow them to keep untrustworthy newcomers from joining their clan.'

(http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/explainer/2012/05/talking_parakeets_why_do_they_mimic_human_speech_.html)

'According to this theory, birds that are raised in captivity might mimic their human owners as a way of gaining acceptance as a member of the family. If they hear “pretty bird” a lot, they’ll interpret that as a call distinct to their flock, and try making it themselves. If the parrot gets no response when she squawks, but gets lots of attention or treats when she makes humanlike noises, she has an extra incentive to practice forming words and phrases.

Whether parrots can ever understand what they’re saying is a matter of debate. Researcher Irene Pepperberg trained an African Grey Parrot named Alex to speak with a vocabulary of some 100 human words. Over time, he learned numbers and phrases as well, and when shown a toy, he could correctly identify its name, color, and shape. Skeptics have suggested that Alex’s abilities might have been a product of the “Clever Hans” effect, in which an animal gives correct responses based on its trainer’s body language, as opposed to genuinely understanding the question. Others wonder whether Alex happened to possess a unique language capacity.'

((http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/explainer/2012/05/talking_parakeets_why_do_they_mimic_human_speech_.html)

Here we are shown that there is some difference between the speech of Parrots and Noc the Beluga whale. Noc as proved by research changed the way in which he spoke by altering his own habitual breathing and talking process to adapt to that of a humans. The story of the dolphin boy also shows a want for these mammals to interact with humans. However Parrots work within a different thought process, they mimic their owners speech, with no understanding of the actual language. 

I took this research to the group crit, here I was advised to focus on one of the particular branches I had researched into. We discussed each of the routes I had taken and decided to develop further into the concept of animals used for therapy, or benefits of owning an animal.

Since the crit I have been researching my above focus. Whilst researching I found a very interesting infographic that demonstrates the benefits of having to pet in relation to health, both mental and physical.

(http://www.infographicsarchive.com/new-infographic/infographic-how-saving-a-pet-might-just-save-your-life/)

Another infographic thats displays the benefits of having a pet.

(http://www.infographicsarchive.com/new-infographic/infographic-when-dogs-and-cats-go-beyond-being-pets/#prettyPhoto)

After looking into dolphin boy, I also researched more into Animal assisted therapy. What it is and Why it is useful. I found some interesting and valuable information on a website below.

Information sourced from: http://animal.discovery.com/roar/getinvolved/pettherapy.html.

What is animal assisted therapy?

Animal assisted therapy is a way for people and their pets to help others by sharing their compassion and goodwill. Pets and their owners visit and interact with a wide variety of people that need a little extra emotional support. Therapy patients get a chance to pet, talk to and bond with visiting pets.

Why is animal assisted therapy important?

It's been shown that people who spend time with pets live longer, get sick less, and have lower blood pressure. Petting and talking to animals lowers stress in people and the animals they are interacting with. It can also be a great way to lift people out of isolation and loneliness. Pets are wonderful listeners and provide unconditional love. Therapeutic horseback riding is another valuable type of animal assisted therapy that gives people an additional way to interact with animals.

What kinds of people and places will my pet and I visit?

Therapy pets and their owners visit a wide variety of people and places:

• Patients in hospitals
• Elderly people in nursing homes, hospices and retirement homes
• Psychologically or emotionally disturbed children and adults
• Adults and children with physical disabilities
• Prison inmates
• Disaster victims

What types of animals are used?

Dogs are the most common therapy pets, but horses, cats and even birds have been known to pitch in.

What are the qualifications of a good therapy pet?

In general, therapy pets should be well-behaved, friendly animals that can be trained to interact with strangers in unusual or distracting situations. They must enjoy human interaction, including lots of petting and cuddling. No biters here!

I also found a couple of helpful websites that go into great detail about the phycological effects of having a pet or animal assisted therapy that helped to treat illnesses such as, Alzheimers and schizophrenia and aids the recovery of people affected by trauma and sexual abuse. 

http://www.pawssf.org/document.doc?id=15

http://www.scas.org.uk/files/SCASJournal_Aut10_PetsandMentalHealth.pdf

    

OUGD401 Graphic Design: A medium for the masses Lecture notes.

Giotto di Bondone - Representation of visual communication heritage. It repeats the idea that we studied in yesterdays Design principles session with fred about signs, symbols and signifiers, symbols within the painting allow us to understand what this piece is trying to present through a standard visual language.

Introduction of the term graphic design: William Addison Dwiggins.

Richard Hollis: 'Graphic design is the business of making or choosing marks and arranging them on a surface to coney an idea'. 

'Whatever the information transmitted, It must ethically and culturally, reflect its responsibility to society.' - Josef Muller-Brockman.

Graphic design comes out of Modernity. 

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Graphic design takes inspiration from fine art for example the use of geometric shapes.
Evident in works such as El Lizzitzkys, 'Beat the whites with the red wedge'.

(http://www.crestock.com/uploads/blog/2008/propagandaposters/02.jpg)

Oskar Schlemmer, Bauhaus logo, 1922.
Bauhaus is the first place where graphic design is taught, where it can be considered as a discipline and thought about intellectually. 

Piet Zwart (Dutch) het boek van PTT.

German design 1934-36.
Lots of patriotic symbolism, use of swastica, common symbolism of triangle piecing a circle and the use of black letter which reigned during the nazi period. 

Lets squash Fascism.
blurs the line between fine art, graphic design, visual and popular culture.

G.Klucis.
Using new techonoligies to create graphic design. 

1950's Graphic design, after the war very much had a focus on adveritising. With an audience that were out of the hardships for war, designers were then able to focus on design with a consumerism based Nature, as there was a growth in money through society.

'We have been bombarded with publications devoted this belief applauding the work of those who have flogged their skill and imagination to sell such things as cat food, stomach powders, detergent, hair restorer, striped toothpaste, aftershave lotion...' Ken Garland - First things First Manifesto. as pictured below.

(http://www.patrickstjohn.org/images/first-things-first-manifesto-1964.jpg)

Peter Saville
The factory club night poster.

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/22/27441879_54f1f24a6f.jpg)

'Use hearing protection' became synonymous with Factory records.
His project was 3 days late. Lost the focus of the intention of the piece and focused too much on aesthetics.

Peter Saville. New order, blue Monday, Sleeve design, 1983.

Company lost 30 pence every time they sold one of these records due to cost of production. Company eventually went bankrupt as they focused mainly on the music than the success of the company.

(http://fortheloveofcities.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/New-Order-Blue-Monday-Ori-14137.jpg)

Mark Farrow. Spiritualised. Ladies and Gentlemen were floating in space. 1997.

Music was very drug related.
on the front of the cover, '12 tablets 70 minutes'
the 12 songs came on separate discs that were enclosed in scaled up pill packets. As visible on the font of the sleeve there is an emphasis on circles to again reiterate this common theme.

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2009/11/18/1258568472535/spiritualized-ladies-and--001.jpg)

United colours of Benetton advertising.

(http://www.hyphenmagazine.com/sites/default/files/blog/old/asianbaby.jpg)

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5371394254_99a6321172.jpg)

Is it selling you a lifestyle?

Moral virtue?

advertising used to draw attention and heavy publicity rather than to sell a style or trend. 

Stop racism from invading football.

Summary.

Graphic design is a relatively young discipline.

Links between Graphic design and different disciplines, e.g. fine art, advertising are arguably become increasingly blurred.

Although born out of consumerist/capitalist interests, Graphic design is arguably becoming increasingly concerned with social issues.

Graphic design prides itself on having a moral and social conscience. 

OUGD401 Context of Practice Study task 3.

Analysis of two Advertisements.

'Daddy what did YOU do in the Great War?'

Poster by Savile Lumley (1915)

The Uncle Sam Range (1876) 

Advertising Image by Schumacher & Ettlinger, New York.

Through out this essay I will visually and contextually analyze said advertisements above creating both critique and comparisons in relation to 4 factors. The aspects I will use to base my analogies on as set out by my tutor (Richard Miles) are; the choice and organisation of font and style of illustration, the purpose and meaning of the image, the target/ potential audience of the image and the social and historical contexts relevant to the production of the image.  

Due to the time in which both pieces have produced they deliver an essence of the personal due to the medium of hand drawn illustration and painting. Uncle Sam's range speaks through the employment of a western font with visual connotations of woodblock print. The use of this font exerts an impression of prosperity  and victory as Western America were dipicted as a thriving nation that went into the barbarian land, here finding their own wealth. Both aimed at the middle class, Uncle sam being a patriotic middle class symbol, Daddy, what did YOU do in the Great war? uses a typeface that flourishes upon this, creating sophisticated ease through script and Italics. 

The existence of Affluence is further played upon in the use of image. Unlike many contemporary advertisements 'Uncle Sam's range' pitches a lifestyle, one of grandeur more than the tangible product itself, this being the range. This concept is emphasised through the integration of a black slave like figure, of which would have only been affordable by the wealthy. The advertisement also speaks volumes of the American dream and patriarchy, willing the customer that if they purchase the range, this is the life that they will receive. The overuse of American symbolism, implications of the american flag, the eagle, and the illustrative indication of 100 years of Americas independence promotes a celebration, that America has gotten this far in a century, thus professing superiority to other countries in which America jests about their apparent lack of progress. not only are the other countries degraded (Ireland is listed with the food resource potatoes, followed by a list of how they can be cooked) but It is accessible to all that America are specifically aiming to their fellow natives.

Image two's opulence and patriarchy is particularly explicit also through the use of print and textile, the pattern seen on the curtains and chair are typically British, the father figure wears a suit and sits comfortably in his lavish armchair. This piece in particular designed by Sam Lumley is produced in a perspective where it is perceived to be after the war has finished, therefore acting as a precursor. Image 2 avails a feeling of guilt in order to persuade through use of both image and text. 'Daddy what did YOU do in the great war?' the little girl asks as she sits on her fathers knee. Here we are already made aware that although the piece has been produced in (1915) 3 years before the war has finished, the war has already been won due to the addition of the adjective 'Great'. This simple question urges those middle class men, to really consider going into war, not only due to the question but via the expression in the fathers eyes as he stares coldly at his fellow men, reminiscing the fact that he in fact has nothing to say. And it does this before It is too late. As with 'Uncle Sam's range' both pieces present a more aspirational lifestyle, to persevere to achieve something better in life. The demographic audience is further pushed to choose to fight in war due to the illustration of his daughter pointing in a book ( accentuating that this will be an event that will go down in British history) and presumably his son playing with toy soldiers indicating that England reign victorious, in a moment that will forever be remembered.