Collection 100 - Secondary source images

The brief asked us to collect, in relation to Leeds, 20 facts, opinions, words, statistics and photographs. I began by looking at secondary source photographs of Leeds to gain an insight into the landmarks and features which make Leeds what it is.

These black and white photographs stood out more-so than any other photograph - I am not too sure why but they seem to create more of an impact. The majority focus on the architecture in Leeds as opposed to the culture yet I will try to explore all aspects in my own research.

Leeds Arcade

 http://viravel.deviantart.com/

Business Heights

http://tk-26.deviantart.com/

Leeds City Markets

http://winterdruidess.deviantart.com/

City Station

http://taffmeister.deviantart.com/

Leeds Castle

http://jez92.deviantart.com/

Leeds Station?

http://cathiegraphy.deviantart.com/

Leeds United

http://nobby00.deviantart.com/

Corn Exchange

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pss/

Chilly Leeds

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wella1/

Bridge

http://nightwing67.deviantart.com/

Colour Theory - Colour & Contrast

Additive colour: Light
- RGB Primaries (Form CMY secondaries)

Subtractive colour: Ink
- CMY Primaries (Form RGB secondaries)

The eye can be 'fooled' into seeing the full range of visible colours through the proportionate adjustment of just three colours - red, green and blue.

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Johannes Itten developed what he called the seven colour contrasts. 


1) Light and dark
- Removing chromatic values from colour shows tonal values
- Monochrome (Black and white)
- When adding colour paper to a sheet and photocopying this in black and white shows the tonal values of different colours. Low contrast of tone starts to blend. (I will do this task shortly)
- Red & blue for example have a high contrast

2) Hue
The greater the distance between hues on a colour wheel, the greater the contrast.

Red, yellow and blue (basic primaries) are 3 colours furthers apart from each other on the colour wheel. However, a change in background behind these colours alters how we perceive the colour.. in result, this affects how legible a word is, for example.

3) Saturation

How saturated or desaturated a colour is in comparison to other colours.

4) Exstension (contrast of proportion)

- Proportion of colours (the amount which is visible)

- Yellow and violet, for example

Dense patch of violet on yellow stands out moreso than if this shape was broken up into thin strips. Condensing these srips makes it difficult to perceive.

- Quantities in relation to each other

- Can apply contrast of exstension to type (use of negative space)

Are you seeing the text or the counters

5) Temperature

- Formed by juxtaposing hues that can be considered 'warm' or 'cool'

- Perceptions of colour; blue is cool whereas red is warm

- We assign colour values to temperatures

- The spectrum of 'cool' red to 'warm' red confuses the eye and forms what seems to be subtle gradients

- The eyes compare chromatic, tonal values etc

6) Complementary

- Black and white react strongest

- Blue and orange, red and green

Hard to differentiate and start to 'compete' against each other

7) Simultaneous 

Formed when boundaries between colours perceptually vibrate

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I found this colour theory 'quick reference' sheet for designers explaining the important terms, connotations and relationships of colour. It is clear, concise and visually engaging.

thedesignerdrug.wordpress.com

OUGD101 - End of Module Self-Evaluation

Module Code: OUGD101 

Module Title: Design Principles

Name: Joe Warburton

Blog Address: http://www.j-warburton1013.blogspot.com

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1) What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?

Previous to starting this course, I was far more comfortable using computer based programs and software as opposed to hand-rendered media. However, I have experimented using paper crafting and a combination of hand-rendered and computer generated design to create the most effective outcomes in the briefs. For example, the first part of the Alphabet Soup brief required us to create 10 letterforms, at A6 scale, based on the word 'Flatten'. Rather than immediately using the computer to devise the outcome, I used hand-crafting to create the letterforms. This was received well in the crit and I was surprised how pleased I was with the final outcome along with how much I enjoyed using different techniques and processes.

2) What approached to/methods of research have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?

I constantly search for inspiring works which influence my own work in some way - both directly and indirectly. I have referenced some designs as part of the 'What is Graphic Design?' brief as inspiration for my other projects throughout the development process of each outcome but the majority of my research was for the 'No News is Good News' brief as we were required to collect primary research including opinions, facts, words, images and statistics as opposed to design research. This gave me a wider insight into the topic (in this case, Facebook) and rather than following my immediate response to the two briefs, I used the research as reference and a basis for the development phases.

3) What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?

Aforementioned, although I have experimented with hand-rendered processes in these first few projects, I will begin to capitalise and expand my knowledge on computer based software. I am most comfortable with Adobe Photoshop but I believe I have adequate skills when it comes to Adobe Illustrator also, especially after using it for the later briefs. 

4) What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these more fully?

I usually seem to stick with one idea which I think would be the most effective and ignore all other possibilities. However, I need to make sure I explore as many routes as possible in order to devise a wide range of design ideas which I could then choose to develop and explore in more depth. I am not completely happy with my final resolutions as there is always something which I can improve.

5) Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?

1 - Explore many possible routes so I am able to develop some in more depth, thus creating a more thorough body of work.

2 - Plan more ideas on paper rather than developing ideas in my head. I will note down and explore ideas on design sheets so I am able to visualise my thought processes.

3 - Carry a notebook at all times to write/draw ideas, words, things that interest me etc which will all ultimately aid the design process.

4) Blog work/research as soon as possible so posts do not back-date. Although for the majority, I am organised and structured with my work, there are incidents where I realise I should have posted something a while ago. This will make sure I am not wondering whether there is something I need to update.

5) (Will update) 

Attendance = 4

Punctuality = 5

Motivation = 4

Commitment = 5

Quantity of work produced = 3

Quality of work produced = 3/4

Contribution to the group = 2

Alphabet Soup - Final Illustrator Design

I chose 26 of my initial designs to display on an A1 poster:

No News is Good News - Mail Shot

My final mail shot which I sent to Leeds College of Art returned in one piece.. though it was slightly worn down.