Module Evaluation

My design skills have been improved with each of the tasks. Through the design of the poster I have learnt about the way in which the content to a brief need to be adjusted in order to comply with the format of the brief also. This was evident in the poster especially as it needed to change from one format to another, meaning the grid needed to be adapted to fit with this requirement; but at the same time must be visually aware, filling the space without overcrowding or distorting, in respects to both the image size and the text size. This consideration was something that I took into consideration with the book also, in the beginning my format consisted of a single spread document bound with clips. To develop this and create a more polished and professional outcome I changed the document into a double page spread; which also in fitted with my more recent developed design style, as well as made more consist through the use of a modular grid. I believe the use of grids is imperative to design to be able to create a strong consistent and modern design, it was used in this case to give myself a book that retains a regular coherent style. As well as sticking to strict guide lines within a grid system throughout my poster and pantone book, and also working with the traditional Marber grids for my penguin book designs, I experimented with breaking the grid. My timeline clearly shows the representation of a grid, defied by the dis-positioning of the text and background images; this is so evident due to the rigid structure of the green lines, in comparison to the layout used above it. My thoughts and considerations in regards to colour have adapted throughout this module, as it has been an underlying influence in each of my design decisions. In the timeline I used the traditional green that Marber used in his crime series covers, to represent the design legacy he created. Subliminal messaging and colour theory are key when exploring your own use of colour within your design practice. I have taken this into consideration when designing my book covers also, research influenced my decision to use pastel cool tones; as it would contrast against the rest of the books on the shelf, drawing the audience’s attention. Whereas in my pantone book I aimed to keep colour to a minimum, utilising white space available, leaving the audiences visual focus to the pictorial references and swatches I created; supported and explained by the corresponding text. Typography was also an influence that altered some of my design decisions, the Tate logo is created out of half tones; influencing my decision to halftone the image, thus in keeping with the client’s brand identity. Each of the typefaces chosen for a reason, such as Helvetica for the book covers (being unornamented) kept the focus on the cover.

Overall this module has helped me develop an understand of how each creative brief that you receive, each should have an individual approach depending on the context and the format in which they require. Influences for these decisions should also have contextual references to back up the reasoning behind making said decisions.

Practically, this module has helped me develop skills within InDesign mostly, this is due to the amount of different formats required from each of the briefs. Within the A1 poster brief it challenged me to create a grid system that depicts how the audience will view it and retain the design I had planned to coincide with the brand identity of the client. Within the pantone book brief, I changed the design so it would fit a double page spread, this also meant changes to the grid system that I was using to get a more polished book which each page consistently remained a part of; visible by the design decisions. The Marber timeline allowed me to use a grid but work with displacement to create a more interesting print, the fact that the grid has been broken is visible to the audience through the use of lines underneath the top layers.

If I was to improve and redo my designs I would work on the illustrations for my book covers, using different methods such as visual manipulation of photography, typography and digital methods of illustration (such as digital line art).

To improve my pantone book design, I would like to use acetate as the cover stock to make the book more durable, as something I noticed with the final and first book attempt that the tracing paper began to curl after some time. Although, this was not an available option for this outcome; as there was no print slots available between this being reset and the deadline.

In order to improve my poster, I would have liked to print out a few copies to experiment with different ways that I can fold it down, making it possibly a book that folds out to be a poster. Although due to having to outsource my printing as it was not available at the time of this brief being set, I was unable to do so, because of both timing and costing constraints.

In conclusion, I believe this module has helped me develop my design skills; even though it has been majority self-directed. I believe my module submission would be stronger if we received any feedback at all from either peers or tutors, although due to complications this wasn’t available; I believe this is evident in my lack of physical developed outcomes.