OUGD603 - MIMI - production, final outcomes and evaluation

Once the chosen outcomes had been run by my client for some final feedback, I was able to start producing physical work. I first looked into printing business cards as this would be the first point of call when Mimi is speaking to potential clients and employers. I did a test print of the cards in the print room at uni, using GF Smith colour plan paper that matched the colour used I used 270gsm as I have used this weight before and it had worked well. This is also the paper I have chosen to print the portfolio as will work well for the cover. The print on these initial test prints varied in quality as the double sided printer can often be inaccurate, because of this, we decided the print should be done externally.

I suggested a number of printers such as evolution and precision however, as this would only be a short print room for now, I looked into more commercial options. After looking around at different online business card printers, Tom Dixon from my course suggested using Moo. He showed the same pack he was sent and so I decided that their recycled t-shirt business cards would be most appropriate. The final design is seen below:

As noted earlier, the portfolio was printed on the same stock used in business card test prints. The GF Smith stock works perfectly alongside the photos printed on satin stock from uni. The end results look professional and can be easily used by Mimi when presenting her work

 This project has been vital in my progression as a designer this year. As it was one of the first briefs I produced, I was able to efficiently plan the time spent on the brief around the work produced and the client needs. This in turn meant the final outcomes were experimented with, developed and finalised to a high standard. As these client needs were established at the start of the brief and were considered throughout the project. Such needs included portraying a high level of professionalism, relating appropriately to who the client is and producing outcomes that are adaptable over time. 

The outcomes are delivered through a variety of different mediums meaning the client has a consistent identity whether someone is discovering her online or meeting her in person. Each outcome is well suited for their purpose, with a focus on how the client will be viewed by her peers. 

Working coercively with the client has meant she has been informed about each stage of the process and not had to worry about it in anyway. Meeting with the client regularly and keeping updated through email has shown how important communication is when working freelance. 

Despite this project going to plan and producing final outcomes that are appropriate for the brief, there were a number of this that could be improved in further briefs. Examples include looking to outsource the production of outcomes. Finals such as the portfolio and business cards are inconsistent with stock choice and colour as were printed at different places. In the future outcomes should be printed using the same stock and printers so all work looks the same. This could also be done for the website. Although it works well in Adobe Muse, using a developer may lead to a more interesting and well produced final website. This will be looked at in later briefs. 

OUGD603 - MIMI - Development and chosen work to show Mimi

My last critique helped me to decide how my developed idea would look across the whole identity. I was able to constrain m ideas into what is seen below.

I experimented with how the business card could be laid out, again looking at various grids however kept the logo central and colour scheme and typeface the same.

The back of the card follows the same grid system however this is symbolised using crosses with the text placed within these. The same typeface is used for body copy as it is versatile and works well in most situations.

As suggested in my last critique, my clients portfolio will be presented within a card sleeve with her photographs printed on single sheets of paper and placed inside. After experimenting with the design previously, I came up with an outcome that work well alongside the rest of Mimi's branding.

After sketching the website ideas out and choosing to progress with the more simple idea within the critique, I started to produce this on Adobe Muse. As I am now confident in this program, having produced a website for multiple briefs, I found this quick and easy to do. Using GoDaddy I set up Mimi's website to go live an created a business email for her to use that would link to her domain and depict a more professional photographer. The website can be accessed here.

Whilst the development of the website was taking place, I started to think about social media and how the concept could be translated into a larger internet presence. As the website is so simple, acting as a quick way to contact my client, I decided the Instagram would be used to give more information about selected projects and photographs. I produced a grid for both portrait and landscape photos which Mimi could easily add photos to for posting. I also took the M from the logo type to use as the profile image.

OUGD603 - MIMI - Critique

I brought my idea development to a critique for feedback. This feedback is essential as will help to finalise how the design outcomes will look. By this stage, Morion had already been chosen as the typeface and the pale blue with grid as the background.

After showing my ideas to the group, I received positive feedback about the work produced. I asked whether this was enough to be a substantial brief. It was noted that, although more outcomes could be added such as stationary and a promo pack to send to potential employers, I had done a considerable amount of work for the project.

I also referred back to the first ideas I had within the brief and asked whether they believe my final outcomes follow the same traits. The first was professionalism, which the critique group felt was accomplished through appropriate typography. The second being Mimi's personality which the critique backed up my idea of using a grid system and light blue colour scheme, noting it worked well.

I asked for feedback on the portfolio aspect of the identity as I was unsure how I would portray this with the small amount of photos given to work off of by my client. I suggested that I was thinking of creating a simple front and back cover meaning Mimi can add and takeaway photos when updating the portfolio.

The next stage of the design process will be to take what I have learnt from this critique and apply it to my work before showing Mimi the final designs.

OUGD603 - MIMI - Identity Development

My previous talk with Mimi determined that the gridded idea will be developed through the next stage in the design process. To help decide how this would look, I experimented with different grids on a business size art board in turn helping me visualise how the final outcome could look. The grids vary in colour and weight of the lines. I also decided to look at using a logotype as felt this may look more professional than the customised ideas produced earlier in the brief.

After experimenting with using the typeface Solanel within the business card, I decided that a logo type may be most suitable for Mimi. I experimented with a number of contempary typefaces, looking at both serif and sans serif as well as various weights.

After looking at a range of different typefaces, I decided that Morion was the most distinctive and works well to portray a professional persona.

I also experimented with using colour, first using black and grey however this conveyed more of a luxury brand. I then used a pale blue which, when paired with the chosen typeface, had a more feminine look. This worked well to portray who Mimi is and so I decided this would be shown for feedback from my next critique.

I started to look at how I could also bring Mimi's branding into a portfolio publication which would then be used by my client to give to potential employers. To show the portfolio I first had the idea to portray it as a newspaper as they often use heavily gridded stems, linking well to the identity idea.

Once the typeface Morion had been chosen, I experimented with how the portfolio's cover would look. Firstly I looked at using the bio given to me so readers could have a first impression of the work within however after development I decided to use a more clean cut front cover design which invites the reader in without giving too much away. This also means the reader opinion of Mimi is left until the images are seen inside the publication.

I idea seen below uses die cut holes in the editorial, running throughout to show each project on each page.

The chosen colour scheme was applied to the ideas and experimented with further:

As one of the deliverables for this brief was to produce a website, I started sketching ideas once the different elements within the design were chosen.

1. The first idea will have separate pages showing projects, info and landing page which would each use the same blue grid seen on the business cards and portfolio.

2. This idea is very simple and includes all the content on one page. The images Mimi has given me will go through a constant slideshow. The text will be visible when opening the side and can be removed or added when the mouse hovers the first icon in the top right. The other two icons are used to contact her via email and open her social media in a separate tab.

I will bring the development I have done to the project to the next critique for feedback on how I should continue.

OUGD603 - MIMI - Mimi feedback

I brought the three concept ideas to Mimi for feedback on which should be developed into her full identity. After explaining and showing all three ideas, together we were able to distinguish which would be most appropriate for the photographs she has produced. Overall, we felt the first gridded idea worked best. This meant layouts could be structured and well organised, bringing a level of professionalism to her work. However, this idea can also link well to the playful ideas experimenting with colour, type choices and placement of images alongside the grid. These were parts of the design ideas that I agreed with my client should be developed further to better work with our original thoughts and ideas.

OUGD603 - MIMI - Experimentation

Talking with Mimi helped me to get a better understanding of what she wanted me to produce for her. Being fun and outgoing were traits I first focussed on and so produced a number of logo ideas with this in mind. I customised these as wanted her identity to stand out and show off her unique photography style and personality.

I experimented with three different concepts to bring to Mimi, using some of the logos produced previously. These were based on the different ideas identified in the briefing.

1. The first idea would focus on a visual grid system. The gridded approach adds a level of professionalism as it is good practice within graphic design, showing how images are proportioned correctly and positioned around other elements on the page. This would then tie to the relationship between the branding and photograph. The grid would be consistent throughout the identity, again adding to the professional ideas identified at the start of the brief.     

2. This idea plays with Mimi's traits mentioned in the briefing. The work I produced is eye-catching and stands out, it uses the customised and unique logos created in early experimentation however the are repeated to push the idea further. The black and white colour scheme is used so all focus is on the photographs themselves despite the 'in our face' branding design.

3. The last idea is cleaner and more minimal than the others giving more attention to the photos rather than the branding. I used one of the previously created logos to show how this would work however, if this idea is chosen I should experiment with the different ones I have developed to decide which is most appropriate. The line shown in this idea could either be used to separate one mi from the other or connect them together. This shows how Mimi's work varies so much from project to project but is linked together bb the same creator.

OUGD603 - MIMI - Research

 Eric Ronald Photographer by Studio SP–GD

Melbourne based SP–GD were commissioned by award winning photographer Eric Ronald to design his visual identity, including his printed materials and website.

Eric is always on the move, and the identity reflects that with the use of a flexible line system. The placement of these lines creates a separation on pages, that is defined by the content.

Florencia Owen by Robertus Alexander

Florencia Owen is a Paris and Jakarta based photographer, whose work ranges from fashion campaigns to editorial for magazines. Taking cues from her surreal, obscure imageries, the identity delivers a bold message through its outputs.

Stylish Gambino by Adam Ridgeway

Stylish Gambino is an online portfolio showcasing personal style, photography, and collaborations. Founded by Brooklyn-based stylist & art director, Jessi Frederick. The work showcased on Stylish Gambino pivots from core principles around texture, materiality, emotion and expression. Jessi uses her vast experience in the fashion industry to curate, direct and orchestrate shoots, experiences and posts that tell an intimate narrative around the subject. The identity for Stylish Gambino sought to echo the clean and curated character behind its content.

Raf Michiels by ssnn

Raf Michiels is a freelance photographer who has exhibited his work in cities around Europe such as Paris and Antwerp.

His identity is designed by Belgian graphic agency, ssnn. Their goal with the brand was to emphasise the versatility of Raf’s photography through a range of different backgrounds. These were created by blurring and abstracting some of his images, which creates a look and feel that fits with his personality.