Coming from a fine art and textiles background, I have found OUGD404
design principles one of the more challenging aspects of the course to date. The
module has introduced me to many new theories and design principles to apply to
my designs, whereas in the past I have been used to creating things without set
rules and guidelines, and just using my eyes to decipher what looks good or
not.
I have found it difficult at times to get my head around the definitions
of principles like Canons and Figure and Ground etc. and what their purpose is
in the world of design. However, the module has been an eye-opening experience
to see what techniques can be used to make designs more successful, from
something as simple as the alignment of texts to the use of different grids and
layouts.
Over the course of this module I have particularly enjoyed the study tasks
which have allowed us to get creative with what we are designing. Particularly
the typesetting study task and the bookbinding workshops. The typesetting and
concrete poetry introduced me to the work of designers who work without grids
and use typography as a means of expression, through the actual shape that the
words are arranged into. The bookbinding workshop also provided me with a fun
skill that I can explore further in the coming years of the course.
One of the reason I think I have struggled with this module is that I
haven’t done as much reading as I feel I should have, which is something I plan
to address over the summer. I want to have a firm grasp of all the design
principles before I start the course again in September to ensure that all my
work is produced to as high a standard as possible, and so I can apply the
things I have learnt to my designs rather than be confused by them. I feel that
I must also remember to take as many notes as possible in lectures and
thoroughly evaluate new techniques learnt in my blog posts to help myself
remember them when it comes to putting them into practice at a later date.
I also need to start looking into the work of other designers more and
taking notes of the theories and principles that they follow. I feel one of my
strengths is my grasp on colour theory and creating interesting layouts,
however the idea of using grids is still quite a daunting prospect for me and I
aim to address this attitude in the next term so my work can progress further.
Through completing the briefs on this project I have discovered that
editorial design is something that doesn’t particularly appeal to me. I found
the process on a whole very stressful and felt there was too much measuring and
maths involved for my liking. I did however enjoy the freedom of the second
brief to create whatever we wanted. I enjoyed researching and drawing the
illustrations for the Danny DeVito Bible and experimenting with different
methods of production such as the bookbinding.
In the final production of my book I feel I should have experimented
with screen printing to see if it would have achieved a cleaner finish than
photo transfer paper on the book’s cover however this is something I can
address in future projects. I also wish I had experimented with different paper
stocks more as although I am happy with the overall finish of the paper it
would have been beneficial to experiment with some different finishes to see if
they produced a different effect. If I was to make a book again I would also
ensure that I booked a digital print slot a few months in advance to avoid the long
drop-in queues.
One of my biggest weaknesses over the course of this module has been
test printing and proof-reading my publications. This lead to there being
multiple spelling mistakes particularly in the first publication. If I were to
make a book again I would ensure everything is proof read by both myself and my
peers at least twice until I was absolutely certain there were no mistakes.
Overall I feel like I have managed my time quite well in this project
however I feel I could have taken longer to look over test prints to ensure the
final piece was as good as it could have been, but all in all I am happy with
the final results considering this is the first time I’ve ever made a book.
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