Studio Brief 4 - Speaking From Experience - Initial Ideas & Research

When thinking about my first year and things that I have struggled with and ways that I could possibly help next years first years one thing I thought about is managing time. This is something I have struggled with a lot with having various different briefs at once and COP that is an ongoing thing, I have often left things until the last minute which has meant that I haven’t always produced the best work. I thought that by making some sort of planner or diary may be a good way to help the first years. 

I also thought about making some postcards or posters with positive and encouraging messages on that could be pinned to notice boards in their rooms or put up around the studio. At times during the course I have really struggled and sometimes have needed some encouragement to help me think more positively. 

Another idea I had was to create a small book of tips to help in the first year not just tips for the course, but with tips that could help with moving away from home and living with flatmates as this can be a difficult experience for some people. 

Research

I found this project on Behance that was designed to help soon to be graduates with landing a job. I like the idea and think it could be quite useful, however I don’t really like the design as the colours used are very dark and look a little aggressive, and I think lighter and more uplifting colours may work better for this kind of thing. I like that the layout is not too cluttered and text heave and how they have put a quote in large text on one page and a larger block of text on the other page.

I had a look on designspiration and behance for some inspiration for one of my ideas. I thought about creating some postcards or posters with positive messages on or quotes that could be useful for next years first years. I like some of these messages like the ‘Positive vibes only’ and ‘Create something today even if it sucks’ but I find some of theme a little cheesy and think some of the first years probably would too. I think rather than going with this idea I will choose one of my other ideas.

I had a look for some examples of planners and diaries

I really like these colourful planners with graphic prints and think they would be appealing to the first years. I found some of these planners on Urban Outfitters which I think would appeal to first year graphic design students.