OUGD 504 - Studio Brief 1

For this session, we were put into small groups of around 5 and critiqued each others work, along with a tutor. In order to make this critique more focused and efficient, we had to pick either Design For Print or Design For Web; I chose Design For Print as this is the project that I am currently most involved with. In this group critique, we were in charge, to a certain extent, of the feedback that we received; each of us had a critique feedback sheet and had to make note of comments people in the group had of our work.

Strengths of my project:

• Well rounded concept
• Limited print run, allowing me to focus more on finishing techniques

Areas for improvement:

• Test out on other people, as thus far many people have had difficulty warming up ink enough
• Think about stock and how different substrates will react differently to the ink
• Talk about mass production and limited print runs, and how this will effect your outcome
• Maybe explain the processes used - 'Let the processes do the work for you'

Considerations:

• Stock and Processes, what works best?
• Processes used, are they practical?
• Mass production limitations
• Audience and Content

From this feedback, I have many areas that I need to focus on and think about in order to successfully continue with my Design For Print brief. I need to experiment with different types of stocks and see the ways in which my stock choice will be impacted on by the thermochromic ink. At the moment, I know that in order to successfully conceal a screen printed image, I need to apply around 3 layers. However, I am currently intending on using slightly lighter paper, perhaps 80 - 100gsm, and will be digitally printing the rest of my book; these both being things I will need to test with my ink. I also need to think about mass production and short-runs and the effect that these would have on the final outcomes. At the moment, I think that the book I produce would normally be a short-run item, a novelty, which allows me to experiment more with finishing methods and processes. The main aspects of this project that I am currently having difficulty with is figuring out who my audience is, and therefore what my content will be. As they both inform each other, I need to be able to understand who I am aiming my product at or what I am putting into my publication.