12.12.08

[WEBSITE INTERIM CRITIQUE]

Had the first website critique today. For the crit we had to have some mock ups ready of an identity and how it would look incorporated into a site. As I was running out of time before the crit I decided to 'borrow' a site design from my research (aeiko.net) and add my own spin to it -

Variations of colours for each section.

Possible gallery page layout.

How when gallery image is clicked, would open in lightbox with a description.

Feedback from the critique is as follows -
- Serif font doesn't fit in with design
- Is the monkey too detailed?
- Experiment with websites and technologies
- Look into java for images
- Will CMYK be popular forever?
- Take on an outside approach - monkey wouldn't appeal to all companies, therefore cutting down my target audience.

The feedback has been really useful, and it seems there is a lot for me to think about!

9.12.08

[FURTHER RESEARCH]

After noticing that I had researched into all dark background sites, I saw it best to research into light coloured websites. Ones that stand out that I have researched so far include -

- http://www.eatock.com
- http://www.tonky.fr
- http://www.effectivedesign.com
- http://www.susannedunkel.com
- http://www.ivanmato.com

I've found these lighter websites, mostly white, to be much cleaner and simplistic in design. I find this makes for a more user friendly appearance and something that I'm seriously considering for mine.

6.12.08

[INK BAR WEBSITE LAUNCHED]

On Thursday evening we had a meeting with Chloe at the Ink Bar, where we were given our printed media examples for our portfolio. We also had our photos taken with our signage, due to ones taken on launch night being too dark. They were pretty cheesy and I look forward to seeing them! As a thank you for all our hard work we have been given a £20 gift voucher each for the Print Rooms, which I look forward to using. The meeting took place at 5.30pm and it was really good to see the place busy with people who had just finished work, as it proves the the relaunch has been a success.

So today whilst browsing the Print Rooms website to see what I can spend my voucher on, I noticed the new Ink Bar logo has been placed on the site (bottom right) -


and upon clicking it, you are taken to the newly launched Ink Bar website (http://www.ink-bournemouth.co.uk/), with the logo in its full glory -


Go check it out, and if you haven't so already go have a look at our work in it's full glory at the Ink Bar on Richmond Hill.

5.12.08

[IDENTITY PROGRESSION]

Before I can crack on with the layout designs of the site I need to brand myself. A lot of the sites that I have researched, the designer uses a creative identity. I like the idea of this and since I was young I have had the nickname of 'Buddah' (yup spelt incorrectly!)

This however I feel isn't snappy enough so I've quite simply taken away some letters, and gone with the creative identity of 'Buda'.

I then had to think of things that represent me. I see myself as both a Graphic Designer and an Illustrator. Colour wise it's going to be CMYK as I've built up quite an obsession with these! Font wise it's going to have to be a clean simple san serif font such as Helvetica or Myriad Pro, but maybe I could incorporate this with a serif font?

I also need to think of a logo to represent myself. Ideas that have come into my head include symbols and shapes, printers marks, and monkeys.

I've decided for now to go down the monkey route as it's fun and original. This is what I've come up with so far...