I've been working with Arvinn&Finn magazine (see Stack Magazine on Extended Practice), on the design of their independent mag. Although this was a competition brief, the final mag will be printed at mass and distributed around the UK. 

This was a really fun brief to work on, but also a big confidence boost. I've worked on large briefs for brands, but not many where there is such a broad range of distribution. I love the idea that an entire magazine I have designed will be read as a form of relaxation, by people all around the UK. 

I did not really the pleasure in this until I was given the brief, and since then I would really like to work on more mass produced magazines and books in the future. 

Where to start. 

Not to sound arrogant, but I feel the communication side of PPP has been easier for me than others. This is sheerly down to confidence, drive and positivity. When presenting, I feel my presentations have been confident, friendly and informative. In first year, I had very little confidence in my work, but now I am happy to speak about it, therefore speaking in front of the class is much easier. This has been carried forward in placements, where I've transferred those skills to presenting my ideas to others in the studio. This confidence is carried over when approaching studios, where i've found calling up a studio is the best way to get someones attention. I learnt this when calling studios for placements, when I called up two of my favourite studios in January (Two Times Elliott & Graphic Thought Facility), and within 15 minutes both emailed me back with interviews, one of which resulting in a placement. 

In terms of speaking to creatives, I'm sure i've approached it the right way, something i've learnt from Jon Watters. I've never met a tutor so genuine. The way he speaks to us as a year group is almost the exact approach I've taken when speaking to studios. It's down to earth and informal, yet intelligent and professional. 

Jon has taught me that being creative is a gift that should be pushed, and shouldn't be pigeon-holed or held back. He's made me consider bigger and brighter ideas, to push my work and to push where I want to work. I never would have thought that I would be offered a placement in one of my favourite studios in Amsterdam, something I will definitely follow up with at some point in the future. 

The beauty of the design industry is that creativity is a fantastic common ground that almost instantly brings people together, no matter where they are in the world. Networking online is incredibly easy, and organising international visits with an online portfolio to display makes getting a job anywhere much easier. 

Creativity can be pushed out of your defined skill set. I've learned how to make things 'look pretty', but i've also learned to think conceptually and to broaden my mind. I want to push creativity in industries or areas that are alien to me - in fact I've started to produce music  as a slight break from design. Believe it or not, without opening my mind to ideas, I really don't think this would have happened. 

Doing this degree has done more than taught me a skill set, or given me a grade I can impress my grandparents with. I've learnt that unlike vocational degrees, i've come away with aspirations and future ambitions, not just for myself, but also to inspire others, and to pass on the beauty of creativity. 

Below you can see an ISSUU document containing my final boards for my Self Promotion: 

I thought it would be good to note down some of plans for after I graduate. 

1. Take a break from grids, x-heights and Pantone swatches. 
I genuinely think this year has had negative impacts on me socially and mentally. When I enjoy something, I become way too absorbed. My mind overloads with information, which is difficult to get rid of unless I do the work i've set myself. I spend far too long working on projects and struggle to leave work alone. For the passed few weeks i've been working between 10 and 18 hours a day behind a computer, which is surely not a healthy way to live

Even though i've completed larger projects and achieved my goals, i've not been happy. I've neglected relationships without realising and been impatient for what seems like no reason. I've missed out on chances to see people sheerly because I needed to get work done. Although this is probably the right decision as a student, it has not been good for my well being. 

2. Spend time with my family. 
At Easter my father was diagnosed with cancer. I saw him begin chemo treatment just as I was leaving home to come back to Leeds. At first this was a huge struggle to get passed work wise, but I knew that all he would want is for me to crack on and make him proud. He's now finished his chemo and will soon be cured. 

Being away from home at a time like this made me realise how life can change so quick, and although now is a time for me to be selfish and to gain success, it's also a time when it's too easy to neglect those who support you. I cannot wait to go home and spend time that i'v missed with him, even if it just sitting in front of the TV with the cat. 


3. Keep in contact with those who i've met. 
In the passed three years i've made such great friends, people who I will never forget. Even though we will all be going our separate directions, I feel it's vital to hold these connections with those who i'm sure will be successful in a few years from now. 

Similarly, all the studio contacts I have made I will keep updated with. 

4. Get myself a design job I enjoy. 
Lucky for me, London is home. All my favourite design studios are in London, and every placement I have had in London has been convenient to get to and also with a great group of people. I can't wait to work somewhere where the 9 to 6 job pushes me but also where each day feels like the best collaboration I could ask for. 

I was lucky enough to work with Welsh & Jefferies, a tailors on Savile Row - Please see my Extended Practice blog for design work. 

This was a great experience for me as a freelance designer. It was the first time I have ever branded a highly traditional, well established business. Of course I have branded individuals and small companies before, but this was the biggest and also most intimidating live brief i've ever done. 

My confidence and professionalism was tested with weekly meetings at the tailors, over Christmas and Easter. Not to mention not knowing how you should dress when visiting a tailors...

Originally, all that was required was a website revamp. However, I managed to push for a full rebrand, printed collateral and all. This has taught me how to work with higher budgets, and also the benefits of working with serious clients. I have also learned ways of pushing for more work, which also means being paid more. 

Working with smaller clients with less of a budget has been much more tough, as they have been less inclined to pay, and constantly seem to strive for the cheapest options. Working with Welsh & Jefferies also worked better as they seemed to have more respect for me as a designer. 

An exciting day out of the centre of Leeds to Pressision in Pudsey. 

Some examples of work they've printed: 

Conclusions From Visit

This was the first time i've ever visited a professional printers, and it was really good fun. Pressision was set up by an ex-graphic designer, and they specialise in creative printer. It was inspiring to see work they've printed, and made me feel really hopefully that when I'm funded with bigger clients in the future, I can get worked printed really interestingly. 

The most impressive printed for me was the litho press, which prints an incredible amount of pages a minute. I would love to design something that gets printed at mass. 

Another interesting fact - Pressision have a digital printer that can print white, something i've never known can be done. This also means white can be used as an 'underpinned' colour, so in general, lighter colours than the stock can be printed. 

Pressision also had some charming foil block machines, that are still in use after 50 years. 

I was lucky enough to visit Andy at Graphic Thought Facility today, which was really fun. 

Here are the only sneaky photos I took of the studio: 

Andy was a really nice guy - Originally from Sheffield, he knew Leeds well, so we had a common ground to discuss. 

I took him through the work on my website, he was particularly interested in the type revival I produced for my COP practical. We discussed typeface revivals in general, something both of us were really passionate about. 

Interestingly, Andy explained how they commission A2 Type Foundry to produce logotypes for them,  instead of designing them in house for their clients. Unfortunately, places for interns are full until September. Andy said I can keep in touch and keep busy until then. He also said it could be beneficial for me to get some experience at A2 type foundry, who he obviously has links with. 

I promised to keep in contact, and hopefully working at either A2 or Graphic Thought Facility at some point could be arranged!

If i'm honest, I did not really like the environment at Graphic Thought Facility. It felt too office like, and not as relaxed as my placement Two Times Elliott was. However, their work is by far my favourite of any studio, so I would love to give it a try before making a sweeping assumption.