Contextual Portfolio - Typography

I'm always looking out for good design and things I just generally like and enjoy. On my way to work this week I had to take a different route due to the Leeds Half Marathon taking place; this meant I had to walk pass the Leeds market. 

I haven't been around this part of the centre in a while and was surprised to see these wall murals welcoming the public to leeds (the coach and bus station is also next to the market, hence the welcoming). These caught my eye straight as I was drawn towards the bright colours and the playfulness of the type which was so inviting. 

This reminds me of my visual appendix and how location affects the narrative. This position of the mural is important, it was placed next to the bus/coach station for a reason as the council want to welcome new people to the city or welcome people back to the city if they already live/work here. This warm welcome as soon as you arrive could affect a persons opinion on the city straight; and if the council want to attract people to the city, opinion is important. 

A similar thing has happened in the train station, before you leave the main exit/entrance there is a installation which I see as a welcome to leeds.  The purpose was to welcome visitors and illustrate Leeds as a creative and cultural city. If you have an interest in the design and thought process behind the illustration you can visit this blog that documents all the stages; http://www.designsomethingmore.com/blog/making-the-windows-of-leeds/

Contextual Portfolio - Radio Hud

Although you may not think being a presenter on the student radio has any value towards improving as a designer, I would disagree entirely. At the start of year 2 I struggled with communicating and expressing myself which is mainly down confidence; so this academic year I joined Radio Hud and I have learnt so much. 


First of all I had to create a brand for my show which was named 'Jukebox Time Machine; this gave me a chance to be creative (the logo I designed is to the left). 


As part of the show I feel that I have improved my confidence levels which as a designer you need confidence to communicate your ideas to the client and to get a job in the first place you need to be able to communicate well. My confidence has improved throughout the year from having a show, going on socials, taking part in charity days/meetings and generally meeting new people. 

Thoughts
I had my last show of the year on Wednesday and from joining the society I have a new found confidence, new friends and new connections to different disciplines and courses. For example if I needed help on marketing or anything related to the business side of design I know I would have contacts from the society who would be more than happy to help and guide me.

Contextual Portfolio - Evian

I came across an advertisement by Evian that involved using a celebrity to boost their advert and brand. Using a celebrities can help to increase sales as if consumers have a good connection with the celebrity they will want whatever they are promoting whether they need the product or not, they will now want it because their favourite celebrity has it. 

Evian have been clever with who they have chosen to be the face of their campaign; Gigi Hadid is a young model which automatically links well to the live young message. The advert shows Gigi in the present moment and to the right is a young child replicating her image. To me this is saying if you have Evian you will be more healthy and thus be youthful. Gigi is a high status model and as she is currently dating former member of One Direction, Zayn Malik she is in the limelight even more recently. This makes it a good choice for Evian as she is high profile with high profile friends.

Thoughts
When creating an ad campaign you need to think of all aspects and how you can boost the campaign so that it reaches a bigger audience; this may be achieve by using high profile celebrities. In terms of my practice I can take this on board but I don't think that this is achievable for me to have connections or financial backing to support the use of a celebrity in my work.