Deconstruction Posters

Im now in my final year of studying graphic design at Sheffield Hallam University, and its time to start the first of our graduation projects. After being briefed six different briefs to suit all disciplines of graphic design, i have chosen to tackle 'One Thing About Everything' set by ISTD. Our first task was to take the brief, and turn it into a deconstructive poster design considering what information we find important and using hierarchy to show this, which is quite hard for someone who is so used to using clear grids and clean cut style when it came to layouts. This was my final outcome for the week long project, i chose to do it on what (at the moment) im thinking of doing the brief on, which is One thing about everything - Street Art. I started this idea with prep for level 6, and at the time i was trying to think what on earth could i do about this particular subject matter, but when i saw the briefs i started to get all excited about it, just like i do when the new VNA magazine is due out (which is really soon), so included imagery which would go with the body of work i am about to produce.

#DirtyFaceLive

I came across this flyer on the VNA blog, and instantly wanted to check it out. On the night, a few of us off my course headed down and had such a good friday night. It was a mix of live art from artists and little interactive activies the public could get involved in, music and drink, three of my favourite things. I loved the fact the art was interactive, as you got to colour Nick Deakins print, as the design was being screen printed just meters away, create your own little character or take part in the facetime photo experience. In the centre of the room was  the live art cube featuring Tom J Newell, Guy Mckinley, Craww and Jo Peel who demonstrated the art of live illustration. There was no themes, limitations or restrictions. Each artist was free to express their style, as the events ethos has always been to showcase talent rather than constrain it. Getting the chance to see Jon Burgermans live doodles via New York was also a great experience. All the art was of such a variety of styles and they was people of all ages joining in, and looking at the blog, they are thinking of holding another night like it,  so i look forward to it dirtyface! (http://www.dirtyface.co.uk)

AGI London 2013

Us third year graphic design students at Sheffield Hallam was really lucky, as our tutors managed to get us tickets to AGI conference in London for free, which gave me an excuse to do my annual trip to London. In the five days i spent there, i got to witness talks and discussions with some of the most iconic designers of our time, visit galleries and get to hang out in the city. 

 "AGI stands for Alliance Graphique Internationale. It unites the world’s leading graphic designers in a professional gathering of common interest and intent. Membership is by invitation only: to be a member is to be judged ‘a person of influence and importance nationally and internationally’ by existing members.

AGI was founded in 1954. Past members have included Cassandre, Josef Müller-Brockmann and Paul Rand. Current members include Wim Crouwel, Massimo Vignelli, Paula Scher and Marian Bantjes.AGI members have been collectively responsible for the design of many of the world’s top corporations and institutions, as well as for countless examples of globally known publications, illustrations and posters. And they are also responsible for providing teaching in many of the best design schools in the world. "

Each year has a theme, and this year was 'dialogue', therefor instead of the usual lecture format, when lets be honest gets boring after a few hours, the speakers took part in discussions, interviews and quick turn around talks, opening up the conversation of the design process and engaging more with the audience. 

Included with the ticket was a tote bag full of goodies (my goodies are photographed below), which as an aspiring designer was much appreciated, especially the GFsmith freebies!

I didn't manage to document the conference much, as some of the talks were so interesting, the last thing i was thinking about was getting my camera out. Some of my favourite talks were Roger Law used to be famous, Stefan Sagmeister on happiness, the cavaliers vs the roundheads debate, A question of design debate and unpopular opinion to my peers, and the interview with Peter Saville, but his talk was so honest and he was so passionate about what he had to say, it was a good end to the first day.  The large diversity of subject matter in which was discussed and the honesty of the designers, not hiding behind there success but also discussing the flaws of being in design as well as the highs was amazing, and the two days were truly inspiring so having the change to be part of it at the start of my final year was perfect timing, and i now have pages of inspirational quotes to look back on when i'm going through a creative block..

I also got the chance to visit the Saatchi gallery (http://www.saatchigallery.com) and Tate modern during my visit, with the Saatchi being one of my favourite to visit i was really excited to head back after two years, and introduce my flatmate to it. The two exhibitions on at the time i visited (27/10/14) was Paper and New Order: British Art today. What i love about this gallery, is that it showcases a variety of young contemporary artists whose artwork is rarely or hasn't been shown before so there is always something new for you to be introduced too. Below is some of the photos i took during my visit. 

Next year AGI will be held in Brazil, so if your considering it/near you i would highly recommend going as it was a great two days of inspiration, design and discussions. For more information on the speakers that were there this year, head to the website http://agi-open.com/about/ .