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.