Talk about a challenging term! One of my main goals was to stay organized and on top of things. Since I noticed that the term before, I started falling behind on my work. I thought maybe it was because last term was not challenging enough? So for this term I decided to take on a lot more projects, thinking it would help me stay more motivated. AND to help me manage all these projects, I went out and bought a daily planner. It seemed like a great idea at the time! but as it turns out – nothing worked out as planned 
There were just too many thing to keep track of – Too many unplanned events. I tried everything I could think of to somehow stay motivate and on task – but the more I tried the more burnt-out I became. In the end. I realized that I took on too much. I did not complete everything I wanted to I did not manage my time wisely nor did I stay on schedule. The main challenge was to try and balance EVERYTHING. If I could change two things they would be — not take on more than I could handle and NOT underestimate the amount of time it actually takes to finish things. What did go well though is the Ethiopia book 
I am glad it is finally finished! In a sense… that was kind of like my Thesis project, since it actually got done. If I had to give my project a grade It would probably be a C. Even though I didn’t accomplish exactly what I wanted. I tried my best for the situation I was in.
This is what I have thus far.
I don’t have the high quality images inserted yet so things might look a little fuzzy. I want to use photos as much as possible throughout this book — while trying to keep things simple and readable. Currently working on the rest of the spreads. I’ll post a newer version soon.
As it turns out — I completely changed the logo. Crazy right? After hours of pondering I felt that It wasn’t “tough” enough and there was too much going on. I got a lot of great suggestions and tips — which was definitely Very helpful.
I don’t know if the dragon reads as a dragon in this logo. Do the wings looks odd? I think I should get some rest…zzzZZZZ
This is my logo so far. Currently working on adding a line to separate the two arms — Similar to the line on the neck. Does the line of the neck look odd? Also, should I make the lines on the wings more delicate?I haven’t had any changes to the flame — any suggestions? Thanks!
Tom Lane is a graphic designer and illustrator currently living in the UK.
Website : www.gingermonkeydesign.com
What do you most enjoy about being a graphic designer?
My working day is just fun most of the time and I think the frame of mind that comes with being a designer means you observe the world around you in a different way than most. I like seeing the details of my surroundings and drawing inspiration from life.
How do you stay creative when working under pressure?
Sometimes it’s difficult to always achieve what you initially set out to do or want to do because of time and budget with regard to client work and the pressures that come with that. I’m also my own client in a way and that brings it’s own pressures as well. I need to stay fresh, on the ball and relevant to the current climate and that brings with it a lot of pressure. To stay creative these days I draw, draw a bit more and then I draw some more. I’m addicted. Before about 6 months ago I saw drawing by hand as a quick rough before I got really going on the computer. But now I do most of the hard work by hand and use the computer to re-create and finish it. From a creative point of view it’s opened up my work so much and I’ve about 15 new pieces to show the world when it’s all ready.
What skills do you think are most important for a designer?
To know how you generate your ideas and how to identify the good ones. A book called ‘ A Technique for producing Ideas by James Webb Young should be given to every student on the first day of Univeristy!!
How did you decide to study graphic design? And how did you find a school?
It was quite late on for me. I was 19 and in a bit of a rut and a friend was studying photography and then later on went on to do graphic design at college. From looking over his shoulder and seeing his portfolio I was inspired to get involved in something similar so begged the local Art college to give me shot. They did and after I finished that college I decided I wanted to move to Bristol and do a degree.
Would you change anything about your education if you could?
Well I’m happy with my grades but I wish my course had really pushed the art of Graphic Design, type drawing and page layouts etc. instead of just trying to get our conceptual thinking developed. Like I said earlier, give all students the book I mentioned then teach them how to draw fonts, draw anything really, collabrate in teams, the print process and client management.
What do you know now, that you wish you had known before pursing your graphic design education?
The importance of drawing to unlock the mind. It’s not the quality of the drawing that your doing at the time, it’s what goes on in the mind when your engaging the right side of the brain, I don’t think I’ve been clear enough on that. When your visualising objects or looking very closely at one in front of you and you have other problems to solve you will find answers come to you once you’ve occupied your conscious mind.
What kinds of problems/frustrations do you deal with as a designer?
Clients preconceptions are the biggest obstacle and the biggest frustration. You can have the best design or illustration you’ve produced but if the client has something in mind or an already formed opinion about something you’ll always have an up hill struggle to get them to sign off on your idea.
Where do you get your inspiration for such creative work?
The past, the present, my friends, my family, the media, anything and everything. My main source used to be ancient cultures and victorian ornamentation but recently it’s more about what’s around me today, what my friends say, the needs I create, word plays I like, surfaces, textures.
What are some of your favorite projects that you’ve completed and why?
here’s an answer for an interview I did awhile back : Uber Branding Re-energised!
This was a great project that I want to talk about. I had worked on a previous typographical project for the director of Uber, an advertising and design agency in the UK. It all went smoothly. A few weeks later I got a call asking if I could go up to Sheffield to have a chat about their company branding. They had been wanting to breath some new life into the brand but had been struggling to get it right. Immediately I felt a bit of additional pressure to do a good job with this because they’ve obviously had a good sense of what they wanted but previous attempts hadn’t met their expectations. Now it was my turn!
After meeting up with them I managed to get a really good vibe for what they were after. They explained the difficulty they had been having and the concept of Bloody/Beautiful. They wanted to convey on one hand their edginess, they’re determination, their darker side. Balanced with their craft, creativity, attention to detail and dedication. All set in a powerful but delicate tone that was different and unique to them.
When I came to working on the first piece, which was the black and red book cover, I started to look at the many heraldic designs I have in my studio and learn from it. This is my favorite sort of project for this very reason. I get to look at the past and develop designs that move it a few hundred years on to today. I also started to research Victorian decorative art on the web and my own library of reference material.
During the first day of a new piece I’m always a bit anxious: how am I going to do this? So many possibilities! What choices to make? I hope I make the right one! That sort of stuff. I don’t formulate the start of work in my imagination or sketch it. I have a sense of it and I make notes but I don’t have clear pictures to begin with. The process is organic and my intuition and experience takes hold and I explore. When I feel I’ve absorbed enough information I actually set a scene where I let my subconscious unleash whilst keeping my conscious state distracted. I do this by listening to a lot of audio books. Having my head filled with stories whilst drawing helps me to keep relaxed and I do my best work.
My first aim is to develop a strong focal point and work my way out. Ideas develop as space opens up and as I always looking, feeling and relaxing more ideas present themselves and everything comes to together. The skill is recognizing the the good from the bad and executing them well. After a good stretch of drawing I usually get the chance to rest my eyes from it . A good night or even a day way from that piece is extremely important. When I’ve spent time and effort creating designs you can get a bit precious about removing things, destructing others, changing etc. The rest period detaches you from that immediate sense of affection towards designs and ideas. You can see faults more clearly and get more ruthless. Ultimately, you will make things better when you trust that inner voice thats telling you this or that isn’t quite right. Learn to listen to yourself and act on it.
What exactly do you do? What are your key responsibilities?
I just make stuff and try and make a living out of it. My responsibilities for my clients are to bring ideas and expertise to their problems, make images that I think fit the brief and be easy to work with. To do that have to convey a sense of professionalism and have a structure to my process so the client is clear of what is going to happen
Here is a short Interview with Spring Bastow. She works here at MHCC. I have seen her a couple times before but never got the chance to talk to her in person.
1. What do you most enjoy about being a graphic designer?
The opportunity to find new and creative ways to communicate ideas and the challenge of reaching target audiences in a way that is memorable and effective.
2. How do you stay creative when working under pressure?
I think about the original goal/message of the piece, the answer is often found in the question.
3. What skills do you think are most important for a designer?
Creativity, adaptability, Solid knowledge of current programs, ability to function under pressure, multi-tasking, ability to prioritize, good interpersonal skills, creativity and determination. ability to communicate clearly and to take and give criticism constructively, knowing how to follow direction while maintaining your personal design perspective and knowing how and when to offer solutions that challenge direction.
4. How did you decide to study graphic design? And how did you find a school?
It was a natural answer to balance my love of art and being creative with my ability to problem solve and design. The school I chose was known for their art program and had just built a new facility with “state-of-the-art” equipment. (It also helped that they offered me a good scholarship).
5. Would you change anything about your education if you could?
I would have relaxed a little and had more fun with my work.
6. Describe a typical day of work for you.
Every day is a little different, which is one of the things I love about this career. I get to tackle new problems and work with a variety of people to find new and successful ways to communicate ideas.
This feels much better. Thanks David!
I felt that this version of the logo was the strongest. Compared to the others, it was the one that stood out the most. Mostly because of the blocks and the bold text. I decided to make the blocks smaller so they won’t be the main focal point. Not sure about the colors yet. Also, does the logo look a little too busy, or is it just me? I’m trying to go for the simple, clean, cool look.
