Shailesh Khandeparkar

www.shaileshkhandeparkar.com

An indian based Illustrator that I came across while reading the latest issue of computer arts. Shailesh created several commissioned designs recalling the horror of the recent Mumbia terror attacks. Looking at these designs you instantly get a sense of purpose, these designs have been created in response to something that has effected the designer on personal level. The designer has been able to express his feelings through his art. He has made his voice clear and this is something that I respect and envy. Although design is used mainly for financial gain these days, is it refreshing for me to see this type of expressive design. I believe art is about expressing yourself whether it be through the use of graphics, music or film. This notion has definitely been clouded for me recently as we live in such a commercialised world.

The designs themselves are beautifully dark, reminding you of the horror caused by the terror attacks. They also act as a reminder to be vigilant in world that unfortunately remains chaotic and unpredictable at best.

Reference: Computer Arts March 2010 / page 12

University Meeting - Week 03

An update and a basic reminder for me of what I discussed with my lectures in week three of my final major. I explained my desire to branch out more with my creativity and step back from my usual creative process in an attempt to become a better designer and thinker. I explained that I was feeling like I was going through the same process as I have done before and I wanted to do something that is meaningful and relevant to me as this is my last project at university. To my surprise my lectures understood my thinking and didn't seem disappointed in my uncharacteristic approach to the design process. I have been fully encouraged by both Lee and Tasha to proceed with this type of thinking and we all agreed that it will be beneficial to me in the long run even though I feel nervous that I haven't got any solid ideas yet. I was also encouraged for the next meeting to find a specific area that I feel strongly about and attempt to narrow it down to give me a strong starting point.

Politics

On the back of this meeting I have thought about thinks that are relevant and meaningful to me. Politics is a major issue at the moment with an election just around the corner. There are many things in politics that I have strong opinions about but I don't know if this subject area would be appropriate for me as I am not educated enough in the subject matter. Nevertheless it could be an interesting project if it could be narrowed down and thought through properly. At least it is a considerable idea, and something that I would not have thought about doing before.

Creative Soul Searching

I have had some basic ideas based on what I have researched so far but nothing I would like to commit to just yet. Starting to feel that as much as I want to get on with the design work for this project that maybe I have to step back and wait until I get the right idea.

After discussing potential ideas with my lecturers last thursday, I have come to notice after looking back at previous work that I have tendency to have one idea and push it forward until it works - I need to do more research in different areas and broaden my range of research to improve myself as a designer. Although I believe that I am a good designer I have considered that maybe I do not experiment enough and have limited my creativity in the past few months. I want to improve and I am determined to be the best I can be.

Looking back on my discussion with my lecturers I have realised a few things about the way I design and that is very important. I can design well so I tend to stick to my safe zone... I need to express myself more with design and try new things to improve. I now consider this to be vital part of my development as a designer.

Post Final Thoughts

This project is about me at the end of the day and is a chance to express myself as a creative individual to the fullest. To express my views and opinions using graphic design as platform. After all besides all the commercial chaos involved with design - being creative is about expressing yourself as an individual. This could the last chance that I get for a while to do a project that actual has meaning to me and I need to grasp this opportunity with everything I have got.

Why So Serious?

www.42entertainment.com/

Another ARG by 42 Entertainment to promote the sequel to Batman Begins called the The Dark Knight. Arguably the most successful of 42's ARG campaigns with over 10 million participants from around the world.

www.whysoserious.com

Year Zero

www.42entertainment.com/yearzero
yearzero.nin.com

This is easily the best ARG that I have come across in relation to my own personal design style. Loving the rough style and eerie feel that has been applied to this campaign. The Year Zero is based in the year 2022 and supposedly the re-birth of america after several major terrorist attacks. The U.S government has granted itself emergency powers and seized absolute control on the country. Taking away even the basics of freedom including the right to marry and have children which requires permission.

I Love Bees

www.ilovebees.com
www.42entertainment.com

I Love Bees is another ARG created by 42 Entertainment. I came across this while researching ARG on the web and particular liked the idea. 42 promoted a product (Halo 2) without actually having access to the storyline which I found very interesting. The ARG begins with a teaser trailer for Halo 2 subliminally flashing the ilovebees.com site during the trailer. This leads fans to site that has been hacked by an unknown artificial intelligence trying to communicate with allies. The gamers (fans) are then tasked with decoding the website looking for clues to push the game forward.

Alternative Reality Gaming

After initially struggling to come up with some ideas for this project, I have decided to concentrate on the type of project I would like to do. I recently came across a new way of marketing a brand called 'Alternative Reality Gaming' or ARG for short. This type of campaign uses the real world as a platform to tell a story. The gamer interacts with the narrative pushing the story forward using various types of digital mediums including web, phone and email. The story is mainly told using the Internet as the main source of information but physical documents have been included in the past as a source of information.

This type of advertising campaign is sort of spin off or even new approach to viral marketing, except you gain the interest of the consumer through making them physically participating in campaign through curiosity and secrecy. Almost making the consumer feel apart of something special. This definitely looks like a very interesting approach to marketing and could be a good start point for this project.

*STILL NEED A CONCEPT

Introduction

Hello and welcome to my FMP Blog. My name is Christopher Conner and I am a current third and final year Graphic Design student studying at Salford University, Manchester.

Over the past two weeks I have been gathering various sources of information to begin this project. I have mainly used the web at this point literally looking for ideas and concepts to push this project forward. After initially drawing a blank in relation to a concept, I decided to start my very first blog to record my design process from a digital stand point.

*Film Identity & Marketing (INITIAL THOUGHTS)

The role of graphic design in film is beginning to play a very crucial role from creating a film identity to a films marketing. As this is an industry that I would like to work in one day, I would like to experience the role of the graphic designer in film. I would like to understand the role to further my knowledge of film marketing techniques and hopefully fuel my passion to involved in this particular industry one day.

My initial idea is to create an identity for a fictional film and produce all the marketing from the initial advertising campaigns including viral, poster and even web campaigns. To promoting the final digital product including box, disc and promo art for the film. I believe that doing this type of project could be vital in helping me achieve my goals and give me some basic experience in what it means to promote a film.

*Initial Research

www.five33.com

FIVE33 are design company that I have a lot admiration for – they are constantly looking to and creating new ways to advertise major motion films – they use many forms of design to promote films from print to installations.



www.designbymusic.com
www.igivemyall.com

MUSIC recently produced this short film to promote a football match in a very unique way. Although not a direct link to my initial idea, the viral film is unique in many aspects of marketing in attracting a new kind of audience in football and gathering interest in the communty for a local event. A beautifully shot film that is very my style of design.