OUGD504 / STUDIO BRIEF 03 / BRIEF

Brief:

Based on your primary research exploring type in a specific geographic context, you will produce a publication entitled "Type in context: <name of place>". Through the summer task you will have collected numerous images and written copy about uses of typography in your local area. This content will then be used in your publication.

Your publication will feature images and text related to typography and will be printed and bound to high standard. Your publication will be positioned as an "art & photography" book therefore considerations should be made to target audience when designing your publication. The size, format and number of pages are entirely your choice.

Editorial design and binding is something that you already have some experience of therefore this assignment will give you the opportunity to build on what you have already learned about this area.

This is a 4 week assignment therefore you will be expected to produce a very well developed, polished piece of graphic design. Make use of your time carefully in order to ensure that your publication is the best it can be.

Content considerations:

• Research - art & photography books, grid systems, audience
• Experiments, developments, evaluate
• Type and layout
• Photo quality / editing
• Preparing your document to print

Production considerations:

• Stock
• Print method
• Binding method
• Mock ups / experiments (evaluate)
• Finishes
• Commercial considerations vs. access to resources
• Preparing documents to be sent to print - any considerations in regards to print methods (digital or offset)
• Understanding colour/ink and related standards and systems (CMYK, Pantone, etc.)
• identifying spot colour, spot varnish, die cut, emboss, and other finishes in digital art work ready for print
• What printers will be expecting - marks, bleeds, etc.

Analysis:

Since this brief coincides with the Summer task, it has given me a lot of time to think about it and be aware of it. This brief, unlike one and two, is not a week long brief so there is more time to work on it and complete it which is useful but also means there’s a lot more work to be done as it is a full publication. 

On a positive note, I exceptionally enjoy editorial work and think it is one of my strengths so I’m optimistic about the brief as a whole. I’d like to branch out of my comfort zone with stock/finishes and consider a range of options; definitely trying new things throughout. I was unable to fully experiment with my last two briefs as they were a lot shorter with less time to prepare the resolution, this will be a better opportunity for delving into different methods of print and production.

I feel I have gathered a range of interesting photographs from Poland which will allow me to create something engaging and enjoyable to read/interact with. 

I’ll need to organise my time and take into account creating a time plan as this will keep me prepared and on track with the brief. I plan to start researching as soon as possible, by visiting existing shops such as the Village Bookshop and Colours May Vary, and gathering primary and secondary research to gain a wider understanding and context. 

My aim with this brief is to create a resolution that is appropriate to the brief and has a clear target audience; but my main focus is creating something I am exceedingly proud of overall.