Saturday, 30 January 2010



A friend of mine is conducting a participation project based on self portraits, so I decided it would be a good opportunity to do some drawing. Not sure how much it looks like me but thought I'd try a new way of drawing, which was pretty enjoyable but drained all my ink.



Had a go at vectorising it as well. Not really sure which I prefer...

Saturday, 16 January 2010

Progress Tutorial

Strengths that you have developed during Level 5.

Aesthetically my work is more professionally finished
My organizational skills have improved and I am managing my time better
I have been thinking more about what I want to do after the degree and am starting to make progress in decision making
I am more involved with other students and having more discussions regarding work/progress

Weaknesses that you have identified during Level 5.

The communication of the message is not as clear as it should be
The design development has not been explored enough
Secondary research into processes and existing examples isn’t vast enough
Letting thing’s affect my enthusiasm/motivation has slowed my progress, particularly during the print module

Issues that you want to discuss with regards to your current progress.

I think I need to find a way of releasing stress, as currently it is having a negative effect on my progress

Rationale 2-Tone


Brief Title
Top 10 2-Tone Records
Subject and Rationale (including themes, target audience, tone of voice)
My subject is records from the record label 2-Tone. 2-Tone had a big part in reviving Ska music in '79 and the music became a way of life for many, but the era was short lived. The TV programme proposed would be made in celebration of the record label, and aimed at original fan's of the music/label. The target audience therefor are likely to be aged in their 40's-50's. The tone of voice should be nostalgic, since it is a look back to that era, but it also needs to reflect the tone of the original label. Although the lyrics can be quite gritty in reflecting societies problems, the actual music and the 'skanking' often displayed adds an element of tongue in cheek humour. This sense of fun is also apparent in the labels artwork.
Things to include could be; the origin of the music, the beginning of the label, the artists included on the label, famous tours, society at that time/lifestyles.
The main themes are music and society.
Design Directions (Design concepts, tone of voice etc)
A hand made approach seems appropriate currently. This sort of production would suit and reflect the labels artwork well. In response to feedback I have had from my presentation I've decided that the narrative for the TV sequence should aim to communicate the history of the label, alongside events that were happening in British society at the same time. This way, not only is it a reminder to original fans, other demographics won't be excluded and should be able to understand what '2-Tone' is without the use of a voice over.
Black and white is the obvious colour choice, since this is predominately what the label makes use of. However, if I choose to use any other colours in combination it is likely to be red and blue, taken from the chequered clothing of Fred Perry.
Sound wise, I want to use music. Specifically 'Sea Cruise' performed by Rico. I chose an instrumental piece so that the lyrics of the song don't take over the meaning of the TV sequence. This particular song is a good representative of the sounds present in many of the records from 2-Tone.


Action Plan and Deadline,
Map out along a timeline the record releases alongside events in society Saturday
Collect appropriate images of the artists and start reproducing them (either paper crafted or drawn) Sunday
Create logo for the TV programme Monday
Plan narrative for the sequence Monday
Start storyboarding Tuesday
Decide on appropriate image for DVD menu Tuesday