OUGD502 - Footprint

The print coop, Footprint came in today to talk about the work they do and the technologies they use. I found this particularly interesting as one of the directors who came in was a previous student at Leeds College of Art, showing another possible pathway post degree.

This talk also better informed me about the different printers that are used within professional practice. Such includes the Heidelberg, lithograph printer which they noted was unpredictable so was updated with their Risograph MZ970 which they said they used 90% of the time.

As the company was originally set up by an environmentalist, they focus on their environmental impact throughout their practice. This includes using 100% recycled paper, ethical energy, only sourcing materials from within the UK and recycling everything possible.

This editorial created by the team has also informed me about different printing techniques as well as the coop's ethos and ideas.

OUGD502 - NEST magazine launch

Today was the launch for LCA's very own NEST magazine which I was fortunately able to feature in. Although it was my photography work and not graphic design that was featured, the experience of submitting to a magazine and having my work published is something new to me. From this submission, I have also gained numerous followers on social media and also pushed the awareness of my work further afield in the hope of getting noticed in the future. This is something I must continue to do both through social media and face to face meetings.

OUGD502 - Build

Design team: Build recently came in to talk about the work they produce within their studio. They are a Leeds based studio that focus on branding however also describe themselves as being a creative agency because of their "weird range of graphic design".

There were a few things he noted about his practice that I felt were very important and could help influence my own work. There were also points he noted that I have decide to look into further. Examples include:

Letraset used frequently pre computer especially when young

Neville brody and typography inspired

Rod Clark

Vaughn Oliver

Trevor Jackson - musician and graphic design

I'm not a brilliant graphic designer; I'm an interesting graphic designer

Worked with warp records 

Crazy photoshop work. What technology can't do not what it can do

Periods of pure experimentation 

Have other passions and interests to help influence my graphic design

Collate 

Started build in London and had a number of studios there. Moved back to Leeds recently. 

Build do a weird range of graphic design

Flying lucas first album

#inthemaking show

Square pusher - damage and fury album cover

Loves collaboration

Examples of build's work can be seen below:

OUGD502 - Buttercrumble

Buttercrumble are a graphic design and illustration duo that are based in Leeds. Although they are in a line of work that differs from what I hope to do, it was interesting to learn about their work and design processes. They noted that their work was based on three ideas. creating work that makes you smile, collaboration and having a foundation that can be expanded and worked on.

They spoke about how social enterprise can help with exposure as will often develop connections for work in the future, noting that half of the projects they undertake come from marketing on social media.

Recent work from Buttercrumble includes Leeds indie food festival located in Roundhay Park as well as an exhibition at the Old Red Bus Station which in fact preceded my own at this venue.

Their illustrative approach to work creates unique finished work. This often attracts a wide range of clients. Such work can be seen below.

OUGD502 - Studio 12 talk

Recently, studio 12 came in to outline the work they do and what they have planned in the future. This event space provides young people with a means to explore their creative ideas through a unique learning experience as includes a music and photography studio as well as the skills and expertise to guide members in the right direction. The hope is that this will empower and inspire the young people around Leeds who would like to get involved.

The videography created by studio 12 includes their successful work on Writing Britain: Mandlenkosi Maposa which works well to paint a true story to their audience. 

Studio 12 will soon be holding a zine exhibition in Leeds and have asked for submissions to this. Because of their previous, professional experience, I hope to submit to this exhibition. This is something I will work on in the coming weeks.