A New Design Brief | Art School Diary #6

I was a little naughty this week and decided to skip a few days of class. There was a good reason for it and I didn’t actually miss any coursework. I have a feeling there are going to be a number of weeks like this. Laying out type in Adobe Illustrator isn’t very interesting compared to designing models and working in the photo studios.

NEW PROJECT BRIEF

I’m getting to the point where I’m a little bored of this project. It started in week 1 and it isn’t to be handed in till week 7. That’s a really long time for a project of this kind. It probably doesn’t help that I’ve done a project very similar to this already. And technically I did three times the amount of work in less time.

I understand why we have so long. The project wasn’t just about designing a film poster. There was a number of other things involved. Learning about what tools the art school has available. Getting inducted into different workshops. Actually using those workshops as part of the project because they are going to be important moving forward.

But I’m at the point where I’m just laying out typography in Adobe Illustrator and it’s really boring. And I still have another two weeks before the project has to be handed in. I feel like I always get to the point in a project where I just want it to be over.

Fortunately, we also got the brief for the next project. Even though we don’t technically have to start it for another two weeks. This next brief sounds really interesting. It’s very similar to the David Bowie publication I created in college. I have to create a souvenir book about modern art. As part of this project, we get to do loads of really exciting stuff like look at artist books and learn about bookbinding.

It should be really fun because I love editorial design. In a way, it’s going to be easier than my David Bowie project too.

DESIGNING FOR THE STUDENT MAGAZINE

Fortunately, I don’t have to wait two weeks to get started with editorial design. This week I also got my first article for the student magazine. Designing for the student magazine is much easier than coursework because you don’t need a concept or to explain your idea. You just create a layout that looks nice.

I actually took the time this week to do a little research on Pinterest. I find Pinterest is great for visual research. The editors of the magazine have a specific look they are going for. All bright colours and bold type. I’ve been trying to bring some of that into my layout.

But it’s also a little nerve-wracking as well. I have to submit my design to see if the editors like it or want any changes. Which means lots of people will be looking at my work and possibly critiquing it. Again it’s one of those things which is going to be fine, but it’s my first time so it’s a little scary.

THAT’S ALL FOLKS

It’s been another quiet week which not much going on. I’m quite glad about that because I haven’t felt my best. I have a full week off now so I’ll have time for some personal work and playing the PS4. The end of next week will be fun because it marks the start of GDFS and hopefully I should get to see some old college friends there.

MORE IN THIS SERIES

Course Induction & Matriculation | Art School Diary #1
Project Briefs & Lectures | Art School Diary #2
The Lives of Others | Art School Diary #3
Chronic Illness & Coursework | Art School Diary #4
Under Camera Artwork | Art School Diary #5
A New Design Brief | Art School Diary #6
Reading Week & GDFS | Art School Diary #7
First Project Hand In | Art School Diary #8
Risograph Printing & CFS Problems | Art School Diary #9
Photography & Essay Writing | Art School Diary #10
Darkroom & Artist Books | Art School Diary #11
Meeting With Disability Services | Art School Diary #12
Final Week Before Assessment | Art School Diary #13