The main strengths of this brief was the mode of communication and the collaboration gathered. Olivia wanted to help largely with her branding, to ensure the outcome was as she wanted. At first, I thought this might have been an issue but over time this made the design easier, as well as establish that the final outcome fit her. First Olivia sent over a range of researched she’s conducted herself, this was into what outcome she wanted/style/ideas she liked. This allowed us to both starts on the same page. I knew what she wanted and then could derived selected aspects commonly feature in the research which were then applied to this brief to mimic the style she aimed for. Feedback was also a strength, due to an issue with previous briefs feedback was gather whenever a decision was needed. I made my view clear, but she made the ultimate decisions informed by my advice. Feedback was done is personal also, as this worked better for other briefs we stated at the start we’d work this way and it allowed us to communicate better ours ideas, make decisions together along with making quick changes. At the start of the brief, a list of outcome was decided, (this was due to failures in other briefs) all these outcomes were created, so fitting her needs effectively.
One of the best aspects of the brief was my idea to colour coordinate the CV, invoice and letters. This was done so Olivia could easily tell them apart whilst keeping to a set design and worked really successfully, I’ve applied this same idea to be design boards for extended practice too due effective nature. The brief was with a photographer, which gave me massive help when photoing my final brief outcome, she did this in return for the branding. This has given me a very useful connection for the future with her, but also due to working so closely with her I also meet a range of her photographer friends who asked me to do other work for them, this could be really useful in the future.
The strength of the final guideline is the colour scheme, layout and typeface. This is as it can be visually compared easily to the research, fitting the clients aim but I also think that the elements work together to create a cohesive design style. The type reflects her geometric interests and work, with the colour scheme reflecting her personality. The outcome will be distributed at the final show, alongside a range of other photographers branding, personally, I feel the colour give the design a stand out aspect. Many of the other photographer’s design seems very minimal, this gives Olivia an extra flourish against these.
For the design, Illustrator was used giving control over the outcomes and design. Also, this allowed many different variations of the logo to be applied to different colour schemes so we could compare these. This brief was during and after my placement, at the placement, I learnt how to use InDesign better and also the importance of this for client stationary to keep the consistent style. Due to this, Indesign was used to apply the design to the different sizes and media. Google drive was used to share files, this was so both partners could edit the outcomes as well as to ensure all work was kept in high-quality files.
The weakness of the brief was sometimes it was hard to get hold of Olivia, as she was at home or not responding to message for hours when we had arranged meetings. This put most of the pressure of sticking to the time plan with me but this was done, as I persisted with her. Another issue was the final print of the business cards, when compared to my professional quality one they had a more handmade feel, to fix this for the show Olivia is getting them professionally printed. Also at the start, Olivia asked help designing a website, but due to her deadline, financially issues and workload she didn’t have time to do this. To able her to design a website or have a designer made a website in the future I developed brand guidelines she can use.
The time plane was stuck for most of the time, with a few meeting rearranged due to my placement and her being at home. The overall project planning was done well overall and was completed by her deadline as we did rearrange these effectively within the deadlines.
The final outcome comes together to create a professional branding, advertising and personal style that Olivia is very excited to use now and also when graduates. All the set assets where cover, using in-depth research into her visual style and preferences as inspiration for the design. Olivia’s tone is seen through the range, echoing her practice and personality alike visually yet also covering the professional outcome that will make her very attractive to clients.
The printed outcomes will be given out, with the addition of professionally printed business cards. The range fully covers all the outcome Olivia asked for and that she will use in her professional practice as well as brand guidelines so she can apply her style easily to any other materials she needs. Both client and designer are very pleased with the outcome, as well as the process taken.
