Inspiring Inspiration & Self Motivation

Well I haven't posted for a while, with a busy summer of holiday makers flooding the supermarket, spending time in the sun and being hospital bound! So my third year university work was halted. Now back on track here is what I've been up to;

Over the summer every spare 10 mins I had I was doodling MANDALA inspired sketches, which slowly turned into rather geometrical like the bottom right in the picture. The more I've experimented with this style of pattern the more exuberant they are getting, more detailed areas to larger areas of space and blackness. 

I've decided to move forward with these patterns, not only in the form of 2D patterns, but 3D technologies. So I scanned selected patterns into Adobe Illustrator to set up a laser cutter file. Bought myself some Vinyl and off I went.

  

This is the first time I have personally used the laser cutter offered to us at University. My fellow course member has used it and the result were simply beautiful. So I thought why not give it a go, what's the worst that could happen?

 

I'm hoping to further these patterns by incorporating them into my designs, applying them to the 3D objects. My vision of them being an elevated tray with etched patterns on the surface with additional containers mimicking the designs in various ways. Making them flow off the etched 2D ceramic tray through vessels.

A way with Wedgwood

So us students had our way with one of The Wedgwood Museum glass show cases. 

Where we are displaying our 'DOT' (designers of the future) exhibition. Our work steams from within the Museum's 20th century collection. 

This collaboration has been a great experience for me and everyone in our group :)

Here is our display ( not all of it, as it needed more adding) 

My inspiration, Robert Minkin's 1960s black basalt pieces.

And finally my samples that I presented to the board at The Wedgwood Museum.

Getting closer to perfection

Here are two of my initial shapes I have been producing for the Wedgwood Project, I am have started to make other shape to accompany these. I am enjoying learning the ways of Black Jasper and its behaviour. Its exciting to be casting in a new slip body and exploring its potential.

I added the feature of a ringed bottom on my first shape, to add texture and an element of surprise when picked up. Here I decided to decorate the shoulder of one piece, to see what transparent glaze could achieve on a matt Black Jasper body. Sketchily done done I think the intention shows. Intention of contrasting between matt and gloss.

Glaze tests

Glaze tests.

With these black jasper scraps from the reservoirs of my plaster moulds I decided to test some transparent glazes. Looking at the contrast between shiny transparent glaze and a matt black surface, and what it could achieve with a paint brush and a bit of masking tape. Here are some fired pieces. I am pleased with how they have turned out. Adoring the contrast and will maybe take it further to apply onto my main slipped cast pieces.

Moulds Moulds Moulds

And more moulds. One of my Wedgwood inspired shapes being slip cast up, using black jasper as I believe it truly represents Wedgwood. The smaller mould shown below, was an experiment. I started by pouring black jasper into the mould leaving for around 5 minutes so the cast thickness wasn't very much. Then emptying the Black Jasper out and refilling with an earthenware slip. For a true monochrome look. The only worry was that the two wouldn't fuse because of the slip meet and crack apart, luckily enough they didn't!!

   

     

  

A start of something new

 A start of my project for The Wedgwood Museum, they asked us to create a new take on their 20th century collection, taking inspiration from the work we seen on display. So we took a little road trip as a group to get started! These are my initial sketches. I find quick 10 second sketches sometimes the most helpful. They are unconscious, spontaneous and creative. I then did some mixed media layered pages for extra inspiration. Setting up a plaster chuck to turn on the lathe, not planning my shape exactly as I find these way of working better for me. My best work can come from just experimenting hands on rather than plan plan plan 24/7.

123

123

Three of the best pieces of advice I've received in the past two years whilst studying at university:

Number 1 has got to be "Good design will always sell". There is an element of truth in this quote as a well designed piece of ceramics, tableware, furniture, clothing or even a model of car will always be majorly recognisable and sell extremely well. 

Number 2 "Strive to be the best you can be" yes it may be very cliché but its meaning can be different for each individual and there outcomes on life. 

Number 3 ends with "Work hard and reap the rewards" Cliché again. But for various people it will mean numerous things. Whether it will be working towards a small short time goal or a long time goal. Goals are set to work towards, work hard and to achieve with a sense of satisfaction when they are completed.

Advice is always good to welcome but sometimes you have to be selective on what advice to take on and listen to.

I wish I had made that..

Elisa Strozyk.

Strozyk's work crossed my path whilst in college and I feel in love instantly. To my surprise she was exhibiting her work in a gallery local to my home town, The Mostyn Gallery which sits in the seaside town of Llandudno. I couldn't resist going and I'm so glad I did.

You wouldn't say these textiles were wooden 'wood' you?

I adore the fact that they are movable by touch, unbelievably soft and supple. Strozyk is pushing the definition of craftsmanship far and wide. With wood being seen as a very traditional material, Strozyk has truly expanded its potential in the design and craft worlds. I am very drawn to the geometric type patterns, with their sense of direction and clean lines.

            

As you can see the chair above is priced at £780. Which I believe to be reasonably priced for the size and quality. The amount of precision and detail that has is in this piece undeniable.

These are all my own images taken by myself, at the mostyn gallery Llandudno.

TOP 5 BUSINESS CARD DESIGNS

TOP 5 BUSINESS CARD DESIGNS

I have been set a task of researching my favourite top 5 business cards around at the moment, and here they are.

At Number FIVE: TAKE ME, POUCH.

This was collected from the 'NEW DESIGNERS' exhibition, London 2013.

The fact it was parcelled up was intriguing and made the receiver want to open it up to view the unknown. Unfortunately the mean point of a business card is to hold appropriate information to let to receiver no about you and your practice. I felt this particular card wasn't letting you know what the persons trade was.

 

At Number FOUR: VARIOUS MATERIALS.

These strechy business cards were sourced from Pinterest. The range of materials that can be used for business cards is vast. You can be as creative as your imagination will let you. Especially the laser cut, etched and layered wooden card is eye catching, interesting and very effective for the suited trade.

(http://thefactoryblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/17-best-business-cards.html)

(http://www.brandingidentitydesign.com/tag/business-card/page/2/)

(http://www.multyshades.com/2011/03/45-most-creative-and-sophisticated-business-cards-wooden-and-furniture-inspired/) 

At Number THREE: THE BIG INITIAL.

 If you want to get your name across, maybe this is the approach for you.

Its a bold statement that depending on colour choice could work extremely well or not at all. For instance the red colouring could come across as passionate but the choice of a duller more muted may not stand out.

(http://blogof.francescomugnai.com/2013/10/20-new-amazing-business-cards-best-october-2013/)

At Number TWO: NAME TO FACE.

This quirky design gives the business card a friendly introduction to there recipient. Putting a name to a face can make people remember you, your face and most importantly your work.

(http://thefactoryblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/17-best-business-cards.html)

At Number ONE: CLASSICAL IMAGE.

This particular card belongs to the Part 1 winner of NEW DESIGNERS, London, 2013.

This traditional style business card from Kate Turton, holds purely an image of the her work. It makes Turton's work memorable and identifiable. A design which never ceases to fail.

(Picture taken by myself)

TOP 5 PACKAGING DESIGNS

Top 5 Packaging Designs

I'm going to be investigating what I see as my Top 5 packaging designs.

At Number FIVE: MONOHARA - HOUSE INDUSTRIES

http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2013/10/9/house-industries-monohara-ceramic-collection-from-hasami.html?SSScrollPosition=118

 "Artisans in the Nagasaki prefecture town of Hasami have been manufacturing ceramics for over four centuries, and their revolutionary climbing kilns once produced the highest volume of daily-use cups, bowls and plates in Japan."

This simplistic way of packaging is sleek and well to the point. Its sturdy which does its job in delivering the object to its new destination.

It is also stamped with the company logo on top to identify the product easily.

At Number FOUR: HOTO CERAMICS

http://hotoceramica.tumblr.com/

This packaging contains small plates, bowls and animals figurines. The print connects to the product which gives you an insight into what your potentially buying.

The cylindrical shape is appealing as it gives a continuous feel to the packaging.

I don't see this as cutting edge packaging design, it has a craft feel to it.

At Number THREE: EMMA BRIDGEWATER

 http://www.emmabridgewater.co.uk/en/uk/page/home

The decorative pattern on the outer of the box is eye catching and enticing.

The sectioning is done in a clever way to separate and enhance each item.

At Number TWO: PISHTACHIO NUT PACKAGING

http://www.rozenfelde.com/Mighty-Nuts

This Pistachio nut packaging is complimentary to the product itself, resembling the shape and texture qualities through the graphic media. Fresh and crisp. They have also provided the consumers with an option to use the outer packaging as a disposal tray.

At Number ONE: BLOW DESIGN LTD

http://www.blow.hk/?p=2676

"BLOW is a Hong Kong based design studio founded by Ken Lo in 2010. Specialized in branding, identities, packaging, environmental graphics, print, publications and website design."

This design of packaging is engaging yet practical to the use. Research shows that this packaging holds Chi-Tea. The colours are exciting with a base of blacks and blues enhanced with gold, and lime green. The element of play is very interesting and could keep someone occupied for some time. Which means the packaging is doing its job, extremely well.



Connecting with others

"Good design will always sell".

At Staffordshire university we as a class have been asked to do a Souvenir project with 'The Wedgwood Museum' situated in Barlston, Stoke-on-Trent. What can you class as a Souvenir? Small objects, larger objects? I spoke to Ray Atkins from the museum who gave me some valuable information to influence my project.

I found from my questioning that 'The Wedgwood Museum' has a peak season between April and August of the spring - summer months. Which is not surprising as its the case in most attractions throughout the UK.

 The average age range of the Museums visitors is believed to be 40+. I see this as a disadvantage for the Museum as it has much more to offer the younger generations in terms of its history. For us as Designer/Makers it may seem to some easier to have a target audience in mind when designing a product.

 I asked 'In the retail shop which of your items sell best?' According to Mr.Atkins the mugs are the best sellers, not in any particular colour or shapes. Mugs vary in size, shape, design, pattern and colour.

Below to the left is an Eric Ravilious Alphabet mug retailing online around the £10 mark. Below on the right is a very pretty mug with lots of variations on this design for sale in the Museum shop at the moment, extremely different to the Ravilious Alphabet mug but colourful floral design makes an eye catching pattern with the gold rim and added detail of the curled handle.

Most people like to spend in the region of between £10-£50 in the Museums retail shop. I believe pricing will be key in this project to set ours products in the right market.

A fellow peer agreed to answer a few questions for my blog.

My peer is quite nervous with the project being tied to such a well known ceramics company which is very understandable. She is planning on creating work inspired by Wedgwood's 'Fairyland lustre' that's based in the museums 20th century section, but keeping the work contemporary.

She feels a collection of small items seems inviting but ideas are still in process. By completing this project it will give her confidence to work with other prestigious companies should the opportunity arrive. I found from my two interviews that contemporary design is key. As good design will live on forever. I found invaluable information i.e. the target audience and pricing for the products that are yet to be designed and made.