This week the creative practitioners answer the following questions:
– On reflection, how have self initiated projects helped shape your studio identity?
– What are the main differences between self initiated work and collaborative, client led projects?
Christoph said that the self initiative projects are acting like a filter – they show us what we are interesting in, what we like to do. It can be also something like a business card for you – it can show people what you are capable doing.
Sam said that the self initiative projects can put on the map.
James said that those projects have created the identity of the studio.
Veronica advised us to keep doing side projects all the time.
- Side Hustle (2019) Available from:
https://www.dandad.org/awards/professional/2019/side-hustle/229956/the-wayback-2019/
2. Restoring Lost Memories for Those Living with Dementia: The WAYBACK Project (2017) Available from: https://www.elder.org/articles/restoring-lost-memories-for-those-living-with-dementia-the-wayback-project/
3. The Wayback VR (2017) The Wayback (Full Film): Coronation Day Street Party 1953. Available at: The Wayback (Full Film): Coronation Day Street Party 1953
“The WAYBACK is a Virtual Reality film series that recreates positive moments from our past – taking viewers back in time to the sights and sounds of yesteryear. Designed specifically to help spark memories and start conversations for those living with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones and carers, this pilot episode transports the viewer back to June 2nd, 1953: the Queen’s Coronation day.”
4. Measure Your Success. Available at: https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/news-opinion/how-commission-designer-step-6-measure-your-success
Working on the project:
project 1 – I had idea for another project but after rethinking I changed it – I decided to do something that I was meaning to do couple years now – I live in Bel Air, Maryland – this is only 30 – 40 min from the Amish country – I started going there the last 6-7 years – I never knew before that this area even exist – not many people go there because is not commercialized – there are not any Malls or other shopping centers – is so quiet and relaxing – I have the feeling that I travel a century back – with the Amish people dressed up with their simple cloches, the farms and the animals.
Because of the lack of technology, the Amish don’t have a way to advertise themselves.
They have so many farms in the areas – they need to sell more on order to survive – this is the main resource for them to make a living. There are a couple of ads and websites that include some info but not many.
So, I have been collecting business cards of all the places that I have been and created a small map – the file is 2 pages – back and front – so, each side had 8 pages – I will folded after I take it the printer and make the final version of the map
These are all the business card, flyers and other information I have been collecting the past couple years for the area where are the Amish farms.
I am trying different options for the background
I am choosing a font for the pointers – I think Bungee looks good
I decided to change the layout and the colors – I am looking for earthy colors that give some comfort feelings – it is a place where you can relax not only shop produce.
again – this is going to be folding map – this are 8 pages (4 on the top – 4 on the bottom)
I have been working on the map too
I had to change the layout – when I fold the map the back page needs to be on different position
After couple of hours work here the 2 sides:
I think it needed more country look – after all is about Amish farms – so, I changed the background
I changed the size of the numbers – they seem too big
I had to increase the space (to 18pt) between the title and the text on each paragraph.
I added a country ornament to the background
Again – this is small map – the file is 2 pages – back and front – so, each side had 8 pages – I will folded after I take it the printer and make the final version of the map.
Vicky Kafkaki - Graphic Design MA Falmouth University 