OUGD603 - Initial Statement of Intent and Time Plan

An initial statement of intent / position statement which clearly identifies and articulates:

- themes, subject matter and lines of enquiry.
- research methodologies.
- practical development (media, methods, production skills).
- contextual and theoretical references.
- approaches to documentation and recording.
- reflection and evaluation.
- project management (including a clear time plan).

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Initial Statement of Intent:

In terms of my creative practice, I am interested particularly in more traditional, handmade methods of design production, such as the screen-printing process, as well as other analogue processes like contemporary collage. However, on the other hand, I am also interested in other more digital processes, such as digital illustration and editorial or publication design. One of the themes therefore I intend to explore is handmade vs. digital techniques within design, particularly within my context of practice essay, discussing themes such as the resurgence of analogue methods of production, and exploring whether this is having any effect on the world of graphic design. Through this essay though, I will focus more specifically on phenomenology and aesthetics, regarding experience and interaction between a piece and design and the viewer, aiming to answer the question “how does the experience of a handmade or digitally produced poster design affect our aesthetic appreciation of the design?”

Other, more general, themes I also have an interest in and intend to explore are philosophy and ethics (in terms of the Ancient Greek philosophers and their theories), travel and music. Based on a shortlisted banner design, produced during last year for a school’s competition brief, I would also be interested to perhaps explore design for education, building on my knowledge from this previous experience.

In terms of going about exploring these topics discussed above, I intend to use a variety of research methodologies, such as reading design and theory books to continue to widen my knowledge of the world of design and different theories which could be linked to such practice. This would in turn help enhance my creative practice more theoretically. Other forms of research would consist of internet and video research, and the critical analysis of examples of contemporary graphic design, looking at what is already out there, how this is done, and how I can make my own designs original and different from such existing design work.

Experimentation is another research technique which shall be used throughout my practice, creating and testing different prototypes taking on a more primary approach. This could be paired with additional primary research methods, such as surveys of both students and creative professionals if deemed appropriate for a specific brief.

My practical development will touch on the themes, subject matter and lines of enquiry discussed at the start of this statement; handmade and traditional production techniques like screen-print and contemporary collage, as well as continuing to develop my digital design skills through the use of Adobe suite (in particular, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) in producing digital illustrations, layout for publication design and bookbinding skills.

Both contextual and theoretical discussions will be referenced within my creative practice, engaging with ideas of phenomenology and aesthetics, and experience and interaction through my context of practice work. Other contextual and theoretical approaches referenced in my work would be through my interest in philosophy and ethics, and perhaps connecting the ethical discussions into producing a body of ethical design.

Documentation of these intents will be recorded mostly through continually updating my blogs to produce an accurate and clear development of my creative practice in the briefs I decide to undertake. A bibliography of sources and references could also be produced to accompany each brief to evidence the use of a wide range of research methodologies.

Reflection and evaluation of my work will also be continually recorded through self-critical analysis of my work, as well as through peer feedback, group critique sessions and personal tutorials. An overall evaluation will be written at the end of each brief undertaken, discussing the brief as a whole, including ethical considerations. A project management and time plan would also be evidenced to show organisational and time management skills, which could be transferred into a piece of design work itself, such as a calendar design showcasing how I have spent my time.

Until the Christmas break, most of my time will be spent working towards the December deadline for context of practice. However, amongst this I aim to complete at least two or three smaller extended practice briefs, like a logo design client brief and the Penguin Random House Student Design Award.

Time plan / project management (until December):