Synopsis of study.
The area in graphic design in which I aim to specialize in once I have successfully completed my studies, is publication design, therefore for this unit (professional Project) I have decided to focus my brief so that I can produce work that will be relevant within my portfolio when progressing into the industry.
The housewife’s handy book was published in the 1930’s by The Whitefriars Press, and was available as a supplement form The News Chronicle. The book was published as a reference book so that the owner would have a complete library of information that was suitable for every practical home- lover.
The book itself was made up of fifteen smaller books that covered everything from dressmaking, everyday etiquette to home DIY.
I am proposing to bring The Housewife’s handy book up to date so that it is relevant to the modern day house owner.
My aim is to produce a set of four books, the content for these will mainly be taken from the original chapters of The Housewife’s handy book, with some alterations where necessary to make the information appropriate to modern day homes. This will mean that I will have to gather and go through a lot of information before finalizing the text that will be in each of the books before beginning the design process. The topics that I have chosen to use for the books are the four chapters that are still the most relevant today, these are: Cookery, Cakes and sweets, Simple DIY around the home and also The Garden.
The layouts and the content in this set of books will be aimed at first time home-owners (not students), The set of books much like The Housewife’s handy book will provide a simple and easy to understand guide to their home. Although as a publication this would be a one-time purchase or even a gift to the new homeowners, they would also in time become a quick reference guide just to refresh their memories.
At the end of this unit I aim to have:
o Gathered all the relevant information to create the body of text for each book.
o To have designed a set of conforming layouts within the books.
o Produced or sourced any relevant illustrations/photography.
o Designed a set of four covers that work together as a set but also each book works by its self.
o Have a set of four finished books that have been printed and bound correctly according to their target audience.
Aims
A1 To consolidate my creativity and practical skills in response to a ‘live’ or simulated professional brief.
A2 To develop my creativity and my knowledge and understanding of professional practice.
A3 To develop and produce a professional standard of creative work in response to a ‘live’ or simulated brief.
A4 To prepare myself for employment, freelance work or further study.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit I will be able to:
LO1 Demonstrate a professional standard of creativity and practical ability, Including:
o Work that is technically comparable to that made within a specified genre.
o Work that shows an awareness of contemporary trends, styles and subject matter, within commercial contexts.
o Work that shows a high degree of creativity and aesthetic judgement.
LO2 Demonstrate a professional ability to plan your time and your work, Including:
o Project time planning.
o Working successfully with others in the production of creative outcomes.
LO3 Respond appropriately to the demands of a professional/self initiated brief, Including:
o Appropriate creative outcomes to industry/work related briefs.
LO4 Demonstrate readiness for employment, freelance work or further study with confidence in the level of your creative, practical and professional knowledge and skills.
Assessment Requirements
For assessment I will produce development sketchbooks, including evidence of my design process, research into the book design process, leading to the final set of four books 100%
Assessment criteria
(specific criteria related to the learning outcomes and linked to the statement of generic assessment criteria matrix):
Evidence of understanding through synthesis and development – Research used to inform design decisions and communicate ideas. (LO1)
Evidence of knowledge of concepts and contexts – Project work that shows creative maturity and direction within a commercial context. (LO1, LO2)
Evidence of understanding through research and analysis – Extensive research, and the application of it, used for the underpinning and final conclusion of project work. (LO1, LO2, LO3)
Evidence of understanding through critical evaluation and reflection – The objectives of the research have clearly been identified and used to inform project work. (LO1, LO2)
Evidence of knowledge of technical processes – Knowledge of suitable hardware and software required for the planned project. (LO1, LO2)
Evidence of realisation through presentation – Work is placed within a commercial context and appropriate methods of presentation used. (LO3)
Evidence of realisation through technical application and skills – A synthesis of creativity and professionalism is demonstrated in the conclusion of the project work. (LO1)
Evidence of realisation through communication of ideas – Presentation of learning agreement and finished project. (LO1, LO2, LO3)
Transferable skills
Managing self
Professional skills
Reference material
Baines, P. and Haslam, A. (2002). Type & Typography. London: Laurence King.
Elam, K. (2004) Grid systems: Principles of organizing type. Princeton Architectural Press.
Heller, S. and Marco, I. (2004). Handwritten: Expressive lettering in the digital age. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd.
Lupton, E. (2004) Thinking with Type: A critical guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, and Students. Princeton Architectural Press.
Noble, I. and Bestley, R. (2002). Experimental Layout. London: RotoVision.
Time plan/ Program of work
| Week 1 22/2/10 – 26/2/10 | Start to gather the information for each body of text. (Collect each set of information in turn so that it gets done systematically) |
| Week 2 1/3/10 – 5/3/10 | Make sure that all information is gathered and correct. Begin to look at research into book layouts. |
| Week 3 8/3/10 – 12/3/10 | Begin to produce roughs for the layouts and keep researching. |
| Week 4 15/3/10 – 19/3/10 | Once happy with initial roughs for layouts start to gather illustrations and photography. |
| Week 5 22/3/10- 26/3/10 | Produce two double page spreads for each book and get them checked Begin to look at paper sample and binding techniques. |
| START TO CONTACT PRINTERS | |
| Week 6 29/3/10 – 2/4/10 | Do designs for front covers. |
| Week 7 5/4/10 – 9/4/10 | Set up indesign document for each book to correct layouts and styles. Begin laying out each book one at a time so that nothing gets overlooked. |
| Week 8 12/4/10 – 16/4/10 | Double check each indesign document at least three times get someone else to check as well make into PDF and send to printers |
| This then leaves 12 working days for the books to be printed with 3 days spare in case the printers run over. | |
Hand in 2.30 7th may 2010
