Botanical Identification: Wildflower identification books

Analysing existing wildflower books:

During this meeting we analysed existing wildflower books and identified what was wrong with them and how they can be improved, significantly. 

Botanical Identification; Research and writing up the brief

Brief

Create the first in a series of editorial publications to introduce an amateur target audience to the discipline of botany. Look to create two synthesised outcomes, one in print and the other a complimentary interactive app both using visuals created collaboratively. Make the most of both designers strengths, Jess illustrating, and Beth typographic element.

Background and Considerations
- Establish ongoing dialogue throughout the design process even when working in separate outcomes (print and digital.)
- The content should direct the design decisions but the content must also be limited and carefully considered as it suits the target audience.
- Research the functional aspects of botanical identification and consider how this can be communicated in a clearly and effectively.
- It is impossible to cover all the plants that are out there, consider practical ways to limit the content in a war that aids communication and full fills the informative purpose of the design outcomes
- Consider the production processes and ensure an aesthetic synthesises achieved in both print and digital outcomes.
- The practical uses of the publication must be considered imperative, ensure the illustrations work in terms of identification, and the type functions in terms of usability and legibility.

Mandatory Requirements
- Documentation of development individually and collaboratively so that it is clear what is done individually relates to the brief in a collaborative sense.
- Be aware of the different styles of each designer and play to these as strengths when synthesised in the aesthetics.

Deliverables 
- Publication (size will be determined by content.)
- Complimentary application to act as on the move identification and archive for the publication.
- Possible extension into promotional pieces.


Initial research and inspiration:

Pinterest board created by Beth and I:

Ideas:

The idea originated the interests of floral illustration combined with the interests in typography.

For the first stages of this project, research into botanical plants and existing wildflower identification is necessary. Creating mood boards on pinterest is a good way to gather visual research, as the visual identity of this publication is a significant factor. 

Existing publications that serve this purpose are not aesthetically pleasing, the concept for the new publication is to still inform the audience, yet also provide them with a visually pleasing publication that acts as a collectors edition aswell as a general informative book. 

Content:

The publication is to be designed and used as a botanical handbook, providing information about individual blooms presented with both an illustrative and typographical  element. 

For the content, it will be limited to a certain number of blooms per season, as the purpose of the book is to be an introduction so the best way to choose the content would be to use the most common plants in each season. 

Layout considerations must also inform the design process, working out how the illustrative element will combine with the typographical element, both being key features to this publication.

For the content of the publication 16 illustrations of the blooms are needed, after reviewing the research collected on floral illustrations, it was decided that the medium to be used will be watercolour, as the soft loose visuals combined with an elegant structured type will compliment each other when side by side. 

Using watercolour will allow the publication to have a unique styling for the purpose it is being made for.

Extended practice - The briefs

STUDIO BRIEF: 1 – FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY THROUGH THE YEARS

Brief

To design and produce a showcase book which documents the transition of styling within fashion photography throughout the years. 

This brief is an extension from context of practice; it shows further exploration into the fashion industry and the perceptions that high fashion magazine readers have, which focuses on the styling of photography and how this has evolved.

Background/Considerations

The publication is to be designed as an archive for fashion photography, the coffee table style book will serve as a showcase style publication of imagery; the visual archive allows the reader to view some of fashions most powerful and influential photographers.

The publication is targeted at both male and

female, who have an interest in fashion and photography

The publication will inform the reader of how styling within fashion photography has changed, it will visually communicate the transition through imagery.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Printed publication that clearly shows the evolution of styling within fashion photography.

The publication will demonstrate clear understanding of the roles of layout, and show how this knowledge can be applied when producing a publication.

STUDIO BRIEF: 2 BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION

Brief

Brief type: Collaborative

Create the first in a series of editorial publications to introduce an amateur target audience to the discipline of botany. Look to create a synthesised printed outcome using visuals created collaboratively. Make the most of both designer’s strengths, Jess illustrating, and Beth typographic element. The publication will include an insight into the different plants within the four seasons. The target audience for this publication being readers interested in botanical identification.

Background/Considerations

Establish ongoing dialogue throughout the design process.

The content should direct the design decisions but the content must also be limited and carefully considered as it suits the target audience.

Research the functional aspects of botanical identification and consider how this can be communicated in a clearly and effectively.

The practical uses of the publication must be considered imperative, ensure the illustrations work in terms of identification, and the type functions in terms of usability and legibility.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Printed botanical identification publication that creates a informative visual language with the reader.

 Publication must be informed by existing wildflower identification books, and show knowledge of the research.

Combination of different elements; typography, illustration and layout.

STUDIO BRIEF: 3 TRIPTYCH

Brief

“Triptych - a picture or relief carving on three panels, typically hinged together vertically”

Produce one third of a weekly trio of poster designs submitted by the third year Graphic Design students. The trio are selected in association with their individual style of practice, to be appreciated together. No specific concept is needed for this brief, which means no boundaries when creating. The design must be suitable for an A1 poster, to be seen along side the works of Beth Taylor and Ros Halford.

Background/Considerations

Create a design that can be suited to the other two designers.

Take an interest and develop this in to my poster in order to create something more decorative rather than functional

Discussion with the both Beth and Ros in order for our designs to have a connection, with this either being colour palette or theme.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

A1 file ready to be printed as a poster.

Poster design that works as one third of a trio.

Poster that could potentially be extended into a separate brief.

STUDIO BRIEF: 4 ILLUSTRATION

Brief

To create a series of three posters that work in sync together, taken from the triptych brief that was completed, this brief has been set to create an individual trio of posters.

Using the same concept and theme from the triptych brief, two more posters need to be created to work alongside each other.

Background/Considerations

Consider a consistent design that can work across three variations of the poster.

Show visual research in existing floral and anatomical illustration combinations.

Consider who would want to have these posters, and what is the purpose of them, are they simply decorative or do they have a purpose?

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Series of three poster designs.

An a2 printed poster for each design.

Development work including illustrations, sketches and research.

STUDIO BRIEF: 5 BRANDING – AWES (Andrew Wood Installation Contractors)

Brief

Create a new brand identity for AWES, Andrew Wood Electrical Services, an electrical installation contracting company.

Design a range of promotional material including business cards for the company, and letter heads and invoices that are used to send to their clients.

Background/Considerations

The target audience being the clients of this company, and what do they expect to see from the professional services.

Consider the type of work, and create a suitable identity that can be used in this field (electrical services.)

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Printed branding material including;

business cards, letter-head and invoice.

Versatile logo that the client can use across their material.

STUDIO BRIEF: 6 BRANDING – LOVED BUY SK

Brief

Re-brand the current online beauty product promoter and product seller Sarah Keeley, who sells the products using online social media.

Design a logo that can be used online on social media presence’ and also that can be printed on to material that will be sent to her customers.

Background/Considerations

The target audience, female and male clients (mostly female).

What the brand promotes and how can this be communicated through the layout.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Logo for the brand that can be used online and on printed material.

Printed business cards.

Printed cards to be sent to customers after product purchase.

STUDIO BRIEF: 7 INTERIOR DESIGN PRINT

Brief - Collaboration

A collection of printed and graphic elements to compile a body of work. This brief is very open and free for experimentation, working with a Printed Textiles student will allow the ability to work with media and methods that may not have been used before, experiment with several but try to focus on a more refined method. The outcome has no s specifications as this brief is formed from experimentation and exploration however the brief is working towards an interior design project so there needs to be certain contextual elements.

Background/Considerations

Take influence from both individual designers and combine.

Thorough research in to various methods and techniques.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Ongoing research and experiments with different processes and media.

Outcome must demonstrate a range of different processes and techniques.

Influenced by the printed textile design process.

STUDIO BRIEF: 8 RESPONSIVE – DR. ME & FEATHR

Brief

Identify and respond to a set of briefs that have been set by professionals, completing the feathr brief and the Dr. me norman mailer brief.

With these both being extremely small briefs they are to be completed in a short space of time.

Background/Considerations

Incorporate my own style in to each brief.

How will I represent myself through execution of the briefs.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

For feathr a mock up of the wallpaper design.

Dr Me. a small postcard (mailer) design mock up.

STUDIO BRIEF: 9 SAIPUA FLORAL ARRANGEMENT PORTFOLIO

Brief

Flowers have a most unusual power over us. The haunting, ephemeral quality of nature can be transcendental; it’s brimming with joy and heartbreaking at the same time. I’m always chasing this tension, trying to know it better.”

Create a mini printed portfolio for floral design Brand Saipua, the small floral arrangement company who create beautiful displays and arrangements at events and shows. Their online presence consists of a blog, shop, and online portfolio which communicates their background in contemporary art; the task is to take their online portfolio and create a printed mini portfolio that could be handed out to customers and

clients.

 STUDIO BRIEF: 1 – FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY THROUGH THE YEARS

Brief

To design and produce a showcase book which documents the transition of styling within fashion photography throughout the years. 

This brief is an extension from context of practice; it shows further exploration into the fashion industry and the perceptions that high fashion magazine readers have, which focuses on the styling of photography and how this has evolved.

Background/Considerations

The publication is to be designed as an archive for fashion photography, the coffee table style book will serve as a showcase style publication of imagery; the visual archive allows the reader to view some of fashions most powerful and influential photographers.

The publication is targeted at both male and

female, who have an interest in fashion and photography

The publication will inform the reader of how styling within fashion photography has changed, it will visually communicate the transition through imagery.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Printed publication that clearly shows the evolution of styling within fashion photography.

The publication will demonstrate clear understanding of the roles of layout, and show how this knowledge can be applied when producing a publication.

STUDIO BRIEF: 2 BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION

Brief

Brief type: Collaborative

Create the first in a series of editorial publications to introduce an amateur target audience to the discipline of botany. Look to create a synthesised printed outcome using visuals created collaboratively. Make the most of both designer’s strengths, Jess illustrating, and Beth typographic element. The publication will include an insight into the different plants within the four seasons. The target audience for this publication being readers interested in botanical identification.

Background/Considerations

Establish ongoing dialogue throughout the design process.

The content should direct the design decisions but the content must also be limited and carefully considered as it suits the target audience.

Research the functional aspects of botanical identification and consider how this can be communicated in a clearly and effectively.

The practical uses of the publication must be considered imperative, ensure the illustrations work in terms of identification, and the type functions in terms of usability and legibility.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Printed botanical identification publication that creates a informative visual language with the reader.

 Publication must be informed by existing wildflower identification books, and show knowledge of the research.

Combination of different elements; typography, illustration and layout.

STUDIO BRIEF: 3 TRIPTYCH

Brief

“Triptych - a picture or relief carving on three panels, typically hinged together vertically”

Produce one third of a weekly trio of poster designs submitted by the third year Graphic Design students. The trio are selected in association with their individual style of practice, to be appreciated together. No specific concept is needed for this brief, which means no boundaries when creating. The design must be suitable for an A1 poster, to be seen along side the works of Beth Taylor and Ros Halford.

Background/Considerations

Create a design that can be suited to the other two designers.

Take an interest and develop this in to my poster in order to create something more decorative rather than functional

Discussion with the both Beth and Ros in order for our designs to have a connection, with this either being colour palette or theme.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

A1 file ready to be printed as a poster.

Poster design that works as one third of a trio.

Poster that could potentially be extended into a separate brief.

STUDIO BRIEF: 4 ILLUSTRATION

Brief

To create a series of three posters that work in sync together, taken from the triptych brief that was completed, this brief has been set to create an individual trio of posters.

Using the same concept and theme from the triptych brief, two more posters need to be created to work alongside each other.

Background/Considerations

Consider a consistent design that can work across three variations of the poster.

Show visual research in existing floral and anatomical illustration combinations.

Consider who would want to have these posters, and what is the purpose of them, are they simply decorative or do they have a purpose?

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Series of three poster designs.

An a2 printed poster for each design.

Development work including illustrations, sketches and research.

STUDIO BRIEF: 5 BRANDING – AWES (Andrew Wood Installation Contractors)

Brief

Create a new brand identity for AWES, Andrew Wood Electrical Services, an electrical installation contracting company.

Design a range of promotional material including business cards for the company, and letter heads and invoices that are used to send to their clients.

Background/Considerations

The target audience being the clients of this company, and what do they expect to see from the professional services.

Consider the type of work, and create a suitable identity that can be used in this field (electrical services.)

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Printed branding material including;

business cards, letter-head and invoice.

Versatile logo that the client can use across their material.

STUDIO BRIEF: 6 BRANDING – LOVED BUY SK

Brief

Re-brand the current online beauty product promoter and product seller Sarah Keeley, who sells the products using online social media.

Design a logo that can be used online on social media presence’ and also that can be printed on to material that will be sent to her customers.

Background/Considerations

The target audience, female and male clients (mostly female).

What the brand promotes and how can this be communicated through the layout.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Logo for the brand that can be used online and on printed material.

Printed business cards.

Printed cards to be sent to customers after product purchase.

STUDIO BRIEF: 7 INTERIOR DESIGN PRINT

Brief - Collaboration

A collection of printed and graphic elements to compile a body of work. This brief is very open and free for experimentation, working with a Printed Textiles student will allow the ability to work with media and methods that may not have been used before, experiment with several but try to focus on a more refined method. The outcome has no s specifications as this brief is formed from experimentation and exploration however the brief is working towards an interior design project so there needs to be certain contextual elements.

Background/Considerations

Take influence from both individual designers and combine.

Thorough research in to various methods and techniques.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Ongoing research and experiments with different processes and media.

Outcome must demonstrate a range of different processes and techniques.

Influenced by the printed textile design process.

STUDIO BRIEF: 8 RESPONSIVE – DR. ME & FEATHR

Brief

Identify and respond to a set of briefs that have been set by professionals, completing the feathr brief and the Dr. me norman mailer brief.

With these both being extremely small briefs they are to be completed in a short space of time.

Background/Considerations

Incorporate my own style in to each brief.

How will I represent myself through execution of the briefs.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

For feathr a mock up of the wallpaper design.

Dr Me. a small postcard (mailer) design mock up.

STUDIO BRIEF: 9 SAIPUA FLORAL ARRANGEMENT PORTFOLIO

Brief

Flowers have a most unusual power over us. The haunting, ephemeral quality of nature can be transcendental; it’s brimming with joy and heartbreaking at the same time. I’m always chasing this tension, trying to know it better.”

Create a mini printed portfolio for floral design Brand Saipua, the small floral arrangement company who create beautiful displays and arrangements at events and shows. Their online presence consists of a blog, shop, and online portfolio which communicates their background in contemporary art; the task is to take their online portfolio and create a printed mini portfolio that could be handed out to customers and

clients.

Background/Considerations

Consider the brands styling and keep their simplistic approach within the mini portfolio.

This is a celebration/showcase of their work, therefore the photography must be the only visuals.

Clearly and simply highlight the beauty of the floral arrangements.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Printed mini portfolio that showcases the work of the floral arrangement company.

Research into simple layout design.

­Minimalistic approach to design.

Background/Considerations

Consider the brands styling and keep their simplistic approach within the mini portfolio.

This is a celebration/showcase of their work, therefore the photography must be the only visuals.

Clearly and simply highlight the beauty of the floral arrangements.

Mandatory Requirements

On-going research, experiments and decision making must be documented on my blog.

Design boards examining design changes and decisions.

Deliverables

Printed mini portfolio that showcases the work of the floral arrangement company.

Research into simple layout design.

­Minimalistic approach to design.