Silhouettes

Silhouettes are an important part of my designs in my brochure, here are my final three silhouettes used to represent my three dance genres and three venues.

I used black Indian ink, then scanned, then placed into Photoshop to edit

This is the three together
This will be used for the image on my front cover

In order from left to right: Contemporary, Jazz and Ballet

Week 6: Session 1

This session was once again one on ones, being due the next day we are just tweaking our final brochures to make sure they are the best they can be.

I talked to my tutuor about my brochure, showing her my printed final. I was told to change a few things, these were things i had considered changing anyway but just hadnt had the time.

I decided to quickly make these changes and to get it re-printed Tuesday morning before hand-in that afternoon.

Changes:
-added more icons/codes
-added layering and detail to design with lines
-put icons instead of bullet points
-changed font
-slightly edited layout

Printing my Brochure

On Friday the 28th I went to Printing.com to get my brochure printed and put together. I successfully managed to finish my brochure in time to do so.

Feeling relieved but still unsure of the standard of my work.
Time to focus on book work and blog.

Inspiration

I have gathered most of my inspiration for this assignment through books, and looking at existing brochures.

My buildings/ venues do not meet my standards as photographs, as there is too much going on in front and around them that I cant help. I tried sketching them with pencil, they look ok but not professional enough for my final brochure.

I did some research and found inspiration in the way these Olympic buildings have been presented.
I figured this would make my venues look more like a piece of art rather than a photograph.

I found a way to do this on Photoshop, although time-consuming it was worth the time.
Main tools used: polygon lasso tool and fill bucket.

Week 5: Session 2

This session was a critique for what should be almost our final brochures. We had one on ones with the tutors to get further insight on what we could change before hand-in next week.

Unfortunately I had to leave before I got to see a tutor but am not too worried as I am finally getting somewhere with my brochure.

Week 5: Session 1

Flexible Grid Structure, Pace and Flow

In this lesson we learnt more about the grid structure, pace,
flow and differentiation between sections

The next stage is to render a map. I have decided to make my map simple and very easy to read/understand. Simply showing where my venues are with an icon and showing a couple of landmarks/ important places surrounding them.

I plan on drawing my map free-hand then scanning into Photoshop, using a program to make my map would most likely look better but am pressed for time to learn how.

I have sorted a digital output bureau to print my brochure

Week 4: Session 2

This session involved an InDesign tutorial looking at;
advanced type formatting, critiquing application of type

My homework was to workshop/brainstorm the use of extra spread cover page and introduction page
-thumbnail complete brochure indicating all sections and content.
-Generate a completed mock-up of the brochure to scale, including an indication of all content.

I have set ideas of how I want my brochure to look but have not yet figured out a way to go about it. My lack of expertise in Photoshop and InDesign is proving difficult but I'm picking things up along the way.

Week 4: Session 1

Type and Hierarchy 

This session wee looked into Critique of initial layout solutions- clear visual hierarchy and consistent grid system.

Hierarchy is group related content; sequencing of information; appropriate point size
type layout and formatting

Although I was not up to date with my work I still took these notes down and saw them as one of the most important things to consider.  

Final Brochure

I decided to make changes to what I thought was my final brochure and this is the end result. I changed font, made icons/codes and added more detail to my designs with line work showing the movement of dance and how it makes us feel. I am happy I chose to quickly make those final changes to my brochure. I do feel it could be improved, but am overall satisfied with my completed final.

I can not figure out how to order my blog, because of going back and editing they are not in order. I apologize for this.

Shared Study Session

Today me and my friend Emma who is also doing this assignment met up and had a uni work date.
It was good to help each other out and give feed back/critique when needed. Another persons opinion when you're feeling lost and unsure is vital. In a relaxed environment I felt I achieved a reasonable amount of work and clarity on where to next.
Here are some books I got out of the Hutt library to help with this assignment.

Week 3: Session 2

Today's session was helpful with technical assistance. We were given an InDesign tutorial showing how to set up a document and use basic type and image functions. We also learnt about the importance of the grid.

The Grid includes:
-headings, subheadings
-use of image and text
-hierarchy/placement
-use of font
-context of elements
-visual impact
-readability
-scale

We critiqued our gathered brochures to analyze their form and function. Using these brochures and a
provided grid we thumbnailed the basic composition/layout. Then we are left to analyse content, focus and tone.

We have been advised to continue with stylistic refinement and experiment with different compositions across 3 spreads including a formatted copy.

I feel I am struggling to keep up to date with these critiques but will try my uttermost best to get up to date by next week. I will have to go back some steps and complete my actual venue designs to use in the brochure mock up.

Week 3: Session 1

 Visual language, Style and Aesthetics 

This session we looked at characteristics, implied meaning and emotive qualities. Critiquing initial stylistic approaches.

This class made me realize where I should be at with this assignment and that im not quite there yet, which is worrying yet motivating. It was helpful and interesting seeing other students work and being able to give and receive feed back on our designs so far.

We were put into groups and given various design magazines/books to flick through and label what page displayed what stylist qualities. It was fun looking at these magazines and gathering some inspiration.

I noted down to consider words that reflect the: tone, flavour, style, mood, of your activity.
Examples; contemporary, formal, elegant, avant garde, youthful, mature, whimsical.
These words can inspire the use of: balance, line, shape, texture, colour, format, space etc.

I know now that I should continue to experiment with a number of different styles, image combinations and layouts, creating mock brochures. Hopefully then I can also begin sourcing text to construct my brochures layout. Making thumbnails is key.

Week 2: Session 2

In this session we looked at pattern and colour as a visual cue. We discussed how pattern and colour can contribute to the detail and richness of a composition. 
We were given quite a few tasks to work on and things to consider:

-Make/find pattern and texture from gathered materials that may express the identity of my venues.

-Continue looking for inspirational stylistic approaches and characteristics.

-Experiment with different patterns, colours (palettes for each venue) with stylistic approaches and mediums.

I thought of sourcing physical materials/fabric from my old ballet costumes for inspiration
research guides, brochures and web guides.
Here are some brochures/advertisements I gathered through visiting my venues and flicking through the newspaper.

Week 2: Session 1

Visual Cues

This session we looked at image as a visual cue, considering; denotation, connotation, tangible and abstract. We were also introduced to semiotics, the study of signs. This helped me to start thinking of ways I could visually represent my venues and activity through an icon, index and symbol.

We were then advised to synthesize visual research and create collages to experiment with different image combinations and layout.

I will research inspirational images, these could include images of; dance, dance advertisements, dance presented through different cultures/mediums, design styles and existing graphic design that appeal to me and could work with my idea.

Will return to this post to add photos of experimented design work.

Visiting Venues

I made two trips into Wellington to visit and take photos of my venues. In total I took 322 photos, taking this many helped me to document and explore the venues thoroughly although obviously not all will be printed and displayed.

Unfortunately I have had difficulties with accessing the actual theatres and stages as there have been on-going set-ups for performances that don't allow me in to photograph. I have intentions on returning to try again when they are not in use.

Michael Fowler
St James Theatre
Opera House
(3 photos per venue)

Week 1: Session 2

 We were given a lecture on the design process discussing primary and secondary research.

In this session I had decided what two ideas I liked best and talked to a group of other students about my ideas and listened to theirs. It was interesting to hear what ideas they had come up with. I then spoke with my tutor which was helpful with my decision for a chosen idea.

For my brochure I decided to use 'venues to experience dance performance in Wellington'
I chose this as I feel being a dancer I have knowledge and passion on the subject matter, that will help and inspire the design process and the final brochure itself.

I have plans on visiting my venues to photograph and gather information.

Week 1: Session 1

First session I was introduced to the brief and began to brainstorm possible ideas for activities or destinations in the Wellington Region that would appeal to an audience including tourists and locals. I came up with 3 ideas I liked best.

1. Experience nature/wildlife in the Wellington Region: Somes Island, Kaitoke Regional park and Staglands wildlife park.

2. Experience Dance performance in Wellington: St James theatre, Michael Fowler centre, the Opera house and Capital E.

3. The Wellington op-shopping experience: Hunters and Collectors, Recycle boutique, Red Cross shop.

Following the class I discussed and gathered an opinion from friends and family that helped me narrow down my ideas and begin thinking further into development.