Brief 9 - Artisan - Evaluation

Placing and using the designs in appropriate and realistic contexts show how successful they are in creating an outstanding, head turning campaign which stands out from many other adverts, especially Artisan’s competition. The design of the campaign achieves the right balance between professional and sophisticated, whilst also remaining fun and contemporary.

The colours and type are one of the main elements which makes the design successful, one because the colours are so bold and vibrant that the adverts can’t be missed and definitely stand out amongst the spectrum of adverts which are out there today. The type works well as whilst again standing out against the rest, it’s easy, simple to read and understand, as well as drawing the audience through the use of vertical type encouraging people to turn their heads and really interact with the campaign. These elements alongside the interactive and tactile nature of the campaign makes it a cut above the rest and really does stop people in their tracks.

In terms of improvements or changes, one aspect would be the quality of the imagery and photographs given by artisan, as the images of the bottle specifically weren’t as high quality and took away from the crisp, modern and high end feel of the campaign. Another aspect would be with binding the book, either the use of smaller ring binders or ultimately a sturdier, more professional form of binding for ease of use. As well as the bind of the book, the finish to the pages within the book would be best laminated or made water or damage proof if this was available, as this is an important aspect to consider when thinking about the context and setting it will be used in.

Working in a creative team was definitely an advantage by bringing and developing ideas together as well as having two sets of hands in the production process, meant everything mostly went to plan. The disadvantages mainly consist of relying on another person and being able to halve the workload fairly, also compromising on ideas and finding each other’s strengths and weaknesses, especially when it comes to development and production.

In conclusion the campaign as a whole and the design of the elements together and individually meet Artisan’s expectations of outstanding, fresh design and ideas able to cut through the noise and stand the test of time. It’s versatile to be suitable for any new additions to the brand, as well as developing the campaign over on social media and other forms of advertising, it works across both print and digital media. Whilst also successfully communicating the overarching concept, focusing on mixing personalities and drinks, as well as celebrating yourself for who you are.

Brief 7 - Summer Ball Poster - Evaluation

The final three designs when placed in context work successfully and definitely further enhances the design by bringing the colours out and bringing the design to life from a flat colour design on screen to a final printed outcome.

In terms of evaluation looking at the successes and positive aspects of the design, the colours are one of the most important elements to the design not only do they really emulate the atmosphere and general interior of the previous event, they also give out feelings and memories of Summer in general and definitely help the design to stand out and catch people’s attention against other posters and placed up in various areas.

The designs also successfully represent and match the personality of the Student Union, both with the students and staff in general, but also their previous branding, posters and designs. The designs come across fun, approachable and friendly whilst also relating and communicating to a huge range of people.

Looking at improvements which could be made or comments from feedback, as the brief stated that the Summer Ball was a formal affair, it could be said that this isn’t communicated through the design and using more subdued colours and serif typefaces would be more suitable. However the aim of the design was to approach the brief in a more contemporary, light hearted way as creating a more approachable design would definitely encourage more people to attend.

The design itself, could come across as quite immature of childlike, however it communicates a more playful design approach, representing the entertaining and lively atmosphere of the event and the ‘young at heart’ nature of students in general.

In conclusion, the design may not communicate the event as an overly formal affair, however it is successful in creating a fun, inclusive design which successfully expresses the nature and atmosphere of the event, the student union as well as the audience of people attending. The designs stand out, they are celebratory and nostalgic, inferring the memorable experience celebrating achievements amongst friends, music and drinks.

Brief 6 - Research Brief - Evaluation

The final outcomes when placed all together are successful in communicating the initiative and concept across, reaching out to adults, teachers and children, whilst also having a similar design style throughout, but also considering each individual elements. The designs are also printed to a high quality and look like they exist in a professional context, especially within schools and the classroom. 

Improvements in terms of developing the project further, could be designing elements for the likes of social media or creating a website which the audience could visit, with interactive elements as part of it, as well as giving out information. Advertisements for in school workshops and the branding and designing for the materials used within them could also push the project. 

An aspect of the printed designs which wasn’t successful was how the colours came out when printed across the different stocks, especially so the purple. Due to the nature of the range of elements which were designed, each needed to be printed on different stocks suited to the context, which meant the purple is ultimately a different shade across the designs. If the project were to become real, then a different printer and stocks would be tested, however it could only be printed on what was available at the time.

One success of the project is the possibility and vision of it being sent out and used within schools and in the classroom environment. As well as gaining feedback from teachers and education professionals who stated that they can see it working in their classroom and the importance of the project itself. The designs are simple, yet effective, therefore they are easily applied across different medias and formats. there is also possibility for the designs and project to be extended in the future, as well as the possibility of it actually being used in a learning environment. It gets across the importance of creativity and gets everyone involved and engaged which was the initial aim. 

Brief 5 - Nanny Business Cards - Evaluation

The final designs look professional when printed and laid out, the cards work cohesively as a group and also when they stand alone.

The design successfully meets the brief, creating a piece of design which communicates the important information that employers will be looking for, but in a fun and engaging way whilst also seeming professional and sophisticated. It speaks to both aspects of the target audience, one; the parents and employers and two; also looking appropriate for children by using a range of elements which work well together, such as shapes, illustrations and bright colours.  

The most successful aspects of the design are the colours and the cohesive aspects of the front and back of the card making it a whole piece of design on its own. The client was also extremely happy with the designs and achieved what she was hoping for and more. The layout of the back of the cards and the typography used was also seen as a success in feedback. The design makes it very easy to understand and read, to get all the important information at a quick glance. 

In evaluating terms, looking at things to improve or work on would probably be if there was a chance in the future to expand the design into logos, website, branding and other collateral, to develop the designs further and place into different contexts. The illustrations, colours and typefaces would be easily transferable across a range of design outcomes if needed. The business cards are definitely different to anything else already out there in terms of self-promotion and branding in the babysitting or nannying industry, which means that the design can help the client stand out amongst the rest and leave a lasting impression.