VML PREP

QUESTIONS

_How long do you work with each client at a time?
_How many projects are you generally working on at once?
_Would you define the workspace as collaborative?
_How much flexibility do you have within your projects? (confined to typography or illustration?)
_What role do you play in the design process as a creative director?
_How much creative freedom do you have within the boundaries of advertising for large and established companies?


PROJECTS

_Stereophonic Typeface: I created this typeface based off an electronic logo I found from the 1950's. It is primarily a display typeface with a modern retro aesthetic. Comes in two styles: regular and italic, all uppercase. I plan on changing the name...too many syllables right now. 

_MoodMode App Concept & Design: A mobile app that records and analyzes the user's mood each day through their phone usage. The results display trends in moods and send push notifications to maintain a positive attitude and happy lifestyle. Includes a social feature to check on friend's moods and inter

_Albert Einstein Motion Graphic: An animated dialogue of Albert Einstein explaining his E=MC2 theory. 

Project "REDO"

I decided to create my own project for this "redo." I do not feel passionate enough about any of my previous projects (or only want to make small changes to the ones I do). I considered re designing my record album to a different artist but chose to incorporate my desire to work with music into this project instead. I would like to redesign a set of playing cards. Playing cards are a graphic and typographic well known object and I see potential to create something interesting that appeals to me as well.

_Most likely a niche store that sells gifts and games of this genre. Potentially Urban Outfitters or Bunker. 

_A set of playing cards based off the hip-hop music genre. It will use bold colors (like most album art in the genre) and I would like to introduce some experimental typography. Strengths include the ability to keep track of cards easier (not have them mixed with others), and add a funky element to something so standard (not that the original playing cards aren't great). Maybe use elements of the classic Bicycle set of cards throughout my design, still want them to be recognizable. Weaknesses could be the niche market (interest in both playing cards and hip hop music genre) but I think that could also work in my favor. 

_Purpose is to experiment with something familiar and introduce a musical and funky approach. Cater to a market that would keep playing cards in an open area where others could potentially notice. Playing cards is a leisurely activity and this series will echo that.

_Playing card users with an interest in hip hop music. Gender neutral, most likely will appeal to ages 18–40. 

_Cards can be used for a variety of activities. Gambling, classic games, drinking games, building a house of cards, group or solo games and tricks. No one remembers buying cards, they are somehow always around or souvenirs.  Audience is possibly more concerned with the function. 

_These cards are a quirky and informative means of playing a traditional activity. 

_Do some research on the hip hop industry, I also want to customize it to my personal opinions. I would like to experiment with hand done designs and alternate ways of displaying the numbers and houses while using the restrictions that exist.

_Avoid making them so abstract that they become disguised and unrecognizable while still making them original. 

FUTURE WORKPLACE

[company outside the US]
_HORT
_Eike Koenig
_Nike &  fashion, festivals, identity, record albums
_Very experimental, hands on
_The perfect range of clients. All of their work is very experimental and collaborative. I like their style and prefer working in a group.
interview

[company in US]
_VSA Partners
_David Ritter
_Converse, Cole Haan, Harley Davidson
_nice research strategies, large branding systems
_lots of resources and variety of employees, I’ve worked with a wide range of projects

[company in kc]
_Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
_Michele Boeckholt
_promotional materials, signage, exhibition design
_echo art style in design
_I enjoy the museum environment and working around exhibitions, also have experience in an art museum. 

[any company]
_bureau mirko borsche 
_Mirko Borsche
_Harper’s Bazaar, book design, branding
_genres for clients from the fields of culture, works within the scope of art, subculture and design. I enjoy working with the arts and have experience with kiosk & sma

[9.12] PROGRESS

• Went back through and cleaned up my existing designs. Added some effects, changed the layout of the "DataMode" screen, and tweaked the typography. Added a "Track My" screen and activation icon in the top toolbar. Developing a "Compare" screen for social interaction. 

EXPAND A PROJECT

I think I will expand my app design project, MoodMode. 

MoodMode tracks your mood then helps you maintain a steady and healthy one. It does this by tracking and analyzing your phone usage along with sporadic questions. 

I enjoyed working with app design and I think this visual identity is fairly compelling. The problem of being stressed and inconsistent is a problem that can apply to a big range of people. 

I think I could introduce some more interactive elements to the app and also clean up the screens and video. Maybe create a website and make it tablet friendly.

Refinements

I decided to play with colors for my next set of refinements, and I'm thinking about having three different sets of colors. Here are some tests.

Prototypes

These are some rough mock ups. I have decided to shrink the size of the box down and make some adjustments to the lid. I am in the process of finalizing the individual sleeves that will sit inside. I am going to use the design with yellow-orange for refinements.