Photography - simulation

For my latest photography project we had to focus on selecting and using digitally based skills in order to enhance, simulate and manipulate photographic situations.

I began by researching into issues and ideas that related to simulation and then creating my own work in response to the ideas that I looked into.

I chose to focus on the idea of 'Dreams'. My thought behind the subject was that I wanted to simulate a world that is usually extremely personal to the dreamer, yet I would be making it public, allowing the viewer to catch a glimpse of the person’s subconscious. I wanted the images to seem surreal yet at the same time could quite possibly be reality. I liked the idea that I would be simulating our minds deceiving us, for when we are engrossed within a dream we are not usually aware that it is in fact just a vision created by our imagination.

Here are some examples of my work. The first two represent the dream of falling and the last two flying:

Work Experience 2

Tomorrow I am starting my second work experience working with Dover Distic Council's Graphic Designer on a Dover Museums project.
Exciting stuff! Will keep you updated, it is only for three days, but have also planned to do more work with the designer in April.

Guest Lecturer - Rob Taylor

Rob Taylor is involved with the media, having studied English and Journalism he has interviewed from the highest producers to game producers.
He believes that new technologies breed new opportunities, for instance the internet has played a big part in the games industry.


Even with the recession, the game industry hasn't suffered due to the fact that everyone still plays games, whether it be your Mum with the Wii fit, your Grandad playing Brain Training on the DSi or of course your brother on the Xbox with either COD of Fifa.
Studios can range from 1 man to hundreds...


Rob went on to explain that the UK has a great gaming heritage and is the 3rd largest consumer and developer in the world (not bad for such a small country!)


If we were thinking about entering the gaming industry Rob told us at the beginning it is not brilliant for mega salaries. This starts to improve when you get to producer level. However you still get all the free games and consoles... so I'm thinking it is definitely worth it!


Rob also told us about the different headquarters of different gaming companies and how amazing their studios and facilities are. For instance some have rock climbing walls, slides down to the different floors, DJ's coming in every lunch time, basket ball courts etc etc... 


Once again we were advised to get work experience, as this is key to making the right connections and getting our foot in the door. 

Guest Lecturer - Andy Fuller

Andy Fuller - works at 'Design Ball' based in Bath.
Andy works mainly on brand identity and logo designs (which is what I would like to focus on).
His company consists of just him but he uses associates for certain tasks. 
He explained how it used to get frustrating not being able to extract exactly what the client was hoping for so instead he puts together a questionnaire for them, which is really efficient, useful and sets the professionalism. 
This is certainly something I will consider doing with my clients - this makes it easier for both you and them to understand where each of you are coming from and what your objectives are.

Guest Lecturers - Ben and Joe

I have been extremely bad at updating my blog on all the guest lecturers we've been lucky enough to have come into Uni to talk to us. So I thought I would take this opportunity to give you a quick update on what they spoke about.


Ben and Joe did exactly the same course as me last year and got accepted into the Top Up year in Graphic Communication (which is what I hope to do) so they are technically the year above me. I was excited to listen to what they had to say as i felt it would give me a real insight into what I should be prepared for from people who had experienced it very recently.
Their advice was:

• Go to as many exhibitions and events as possible to meet contacts - pick up leaflets
• Document all the work I do
• Enter lots of competitions
• Client work - get my name out there to as many design companies as possible
• When sending an e-mail, try to get an actual name rather than just saying 'Sir/ Madame..." This makes it more personal and shows the client you have actually done some research.
• Show personality - gifts/biscuits work well...
• Always have a portfolio ready with relevant work.

Joe mentioned a good website to take a look at which gave examples of people's recent pieces of work they'd completed : http://dribbble.com/

They then went on to explain what the third year will be like... they explained it will be a big step up from our foundation degree and that we should know what area we want to focus on. With regards to the dissertation, Ben and Joe advised us to do 500 words at a time, this allows you to not ramble and yet keep up.

To be honest the way they spoke about the third year was a shock considering how hard they were finding it, but I'm willing to take on the challenge...

PostSecret

What an awesome website :) PostSecret

Work Experience 1

Last week I did a days work experience with a professional photographer. I shadowed him whilst he worked on his client's work and he helped me with the studio, lighting, remote flash, camera settings etc for my own project. It was an extremely interesting experience and I left with a hell of a lot more knowledge than I had when I arrived. He has also said that I can contact him if ever I have any questions or problems which is very encouraging and reassuring.

His website if you're interested: http://www.petersmith.co.uk/

Brown's Networking Event

Yesterday Evening, two friends and I attended the Brown's networking event that I mentioned previously.

It was an extremely good learning curve, and eased us into the world of networking very nicely. It allowed us to make some contacts and discuss with other business men and women  what we do and how we may be able to help their business in respects to marketing it. It also allowed us to hand out business cards and make some very important contacts. And as I know from listening to all our guest lecturers, having contacts is the most important thing in this industry.

Controversial Art

Recently I have been looking into controversial art, or rather 'misunderstood art'. Work that doesn't necessarily have an obvious meaning, or work that some people would say, "Well a five year old could do that!"

My favourite artist within this topic would have to be Tracey Emin so I thought I would share some of her work on here.

I was really inspired by this chair, called ‘There’s a lot of money in chairs’ decorated with embroidery, patchwork and applique. The chair was given to Tracy by her Nan and has been embellished to tell her personal story.

It is “An exchange between the artist and her grandmother using the nicknames they had for each other: ‘Ok Puddin, Thanks Plum’, covers the bottom front of the chair and a saying of Emin’s grandmother’s, ‘There’s a lot of money in chairs’, is appliquéd in pink along the top and front of its back. Behind the chair back, the first page of Exploration of the Soul, handwritten onto fabric, is appliquéd together with other dictums such as, ‘It’s not what you inherit. It’s what you do with your inheritance’”.

Client Work 5

Well this has really made me feel like a designer... I received an email today from a guy named Nick asking if I could design his album cover for him. His brother and him are releasing an album in America very soon and he's chosen me to design it!!

Very exciting that he contacted me first!

Interview

Kev Adamson, another Digital Designer whose work I admire, was kind enough to answer some questions for me to go towards my interviews.

Ok, first off, could you explain your journey on becoming a designer?
Drew a horse when I as 6 that teacher said was good; Did art and design GCSEs, Art and Design A-levels; Diploma Art Foundation Studies; Degree Graphic Arts

What made you want to become a designer?
Always loved creating things

What do you enjoy most about your job?
That it is both a job and a hobby. I get paid to do something I love doing :)

Is there anything you don't like about it?
Being a freelancer means lots of admin

Do you ever have disagreements with the clients about what would work best and how do you solve this?
All the time. It's a tricky one.

How do you work out how much to charge?
I get a brief or ask enough questions so I know what's what. I then convert that to time and then apply my hourly rate.

As a designer do you find work is readily available or is it sometimes hard to get a steady amount work?
I'm pretty busy :)

What would you say the most valuable skills are for an aspiring designer to possess?
Talent; ideas; communication skills; a technical ability with design tools; good project management skills

What other advice would you give to an aspiring graphic designer?
Do a degree - if only for the cheap drinks :P


Was so nice to have some responses that showed enthusiasm and personality as well as being note worthy. If you're interested in what work Kev has done or is doing, check out his website at http://www.kevadamson.com/

UCAS

Due to going to Bath Spa University for my 'top up' year isn't a given, I have had to make sure I have a backup plan. Which means applying for other top up years at other universities (scary stuff!) through UCAS all over again. Makes me feel like I'm back in year 13...
So far I have heard back from Bournemouth and Southampton :) With an interview date set for 1st March at Southampton Solent... nervous yet excited! Even if I do get into Bath Spa (first choice) it will add to my experiences of interviews etc, which is always helpful.
They want me to take in a written piece of work and discuss it... that has kind of confused me as the course is clearly more about the design than the theory... so I think I'm going to take in some digital designs on CD as well just in case they have a chance to have a browse.