Template tests

Using the sketches that were completed with the other members of the group, the following designs have been produced digitally for the first test print. Having a range of designs will help us determine which is the most successful when printed, as well as to gain feedback on other elements such as the most suitable typeface, type size and colour scheme. 

It was important to include the illustrations on the front side of the card so that more traditional print methods can also be experimented with. It will also allow for us to see whether the matching up of the cards is successful when printed and cut. Putting together the test designs has also highlighted the remaining illustrations that are required, as well as allowing for experimentation of each card lining up vertically. This has so far been experimented by having the same reef plant to the left and right of the cards. 

Mental Health - Brands/Advertising

Looking into brands that are associated with mental health, as well as those that are directly related to the disorders is important in identifying the issues that are related with the disorder. It also demonstrates the current ways that the disorder is being addressed through media and branding. Furthermore, this shows how the information is being distributed and highlights areas that are lacking in recognition. 



Wear Your Label - Clothing to start conversation around mental health

Wear Your Label is a brand that was born through two individuals wanting to spark conversation around mental health through the production of clothing. It grew from Kayley, one of the founders of the brand becoming increasingly aware and frustrated with the stigma that surrounds mental health. They describe their brand as working towards the removal of the stigma that silences so many individuals and giving back along the way. This is done through 10% of net profits being donated to mental health initiatives. 

The simplistic clothing items feature handwritten and/or sans serif type that are short inspirational phrases, printed or stitched onto 'basic' clothing. Having the text as the centre piece of the clothing draws the focus without it being in forceful. 

Mind - Advertising through social media

Mind are a Mental Health charity who have been previously researched in response to gathering research for this brief. The above are examples of images they have posted on their social media profile on Twitter. The tone of voice is positive and influential, with the image directly relating to the text. As they are simple statements they act as more of an advertising piece to encourage individuals to engage with the charity. This is particularly strong in the third image due to it being a promotion of their magazine, which requires a subscription payment to receive. Although each of the images are positive and influential towards those who may be suffering from a mental illness, the overall focus that is taken from the designs is on Mind and not the individuals. In other words, this could be described as selfish advertising. They are making the audience believe it is about them when in actual fact they are promoting themselves. This is something to be aware of when producing a response to this brief. 

From the research conducted and through the knowledge that I have developed through completing the stages of the Future Learn online course, it is evident that there is a vast number of supporting collateral, information, creative and charities that support individuals with a mental illness disorder. This is something that is current becoming more and more successful and slowly overcoming the taboo of mental illness. However, this is still seen to be an issue in society. Individuals lack the confidence in discussing their feelings as well as others lacking the confidence in approaching and discussing another feelings who they believe may be suffering. The example of the new Time To Change advertising campaign is an example of an alternative direction that is being taken in addressing the taboo of mental illness, through addressing the 'carers' and the individuals who are suffering. Looking into alternative approaches is a unique direction that this subject area would benefit from. 

Popular/New Printing Methods in 1800-1899

Combination Printing 

Combination painting is a photography technique that involves the use of two or more negative photographic images in conjunction with another to create a single image. This style of combination printing stemmed from the interest to create more fine art photography due to the effect that came from having more than one negative image used to create an image. 

This style of photography was a popular trend in the mid-19th century due to the limitations that came with using light sensitive cameras. For example, due to the long exposure time required at the time to create a fully developed image, the main subject of the photograph would successfully expose, however the surrounding imagery such as the sky would become over exposed. Hippolyte Bayard, a french photographer was the first to suggest the combination of both negatives to create a balanced image. 


Columbian Press

The cast iron press was invented by George Clymer in 1813 and can produce 250 prints per hour. Due to the design of the press, a much greater pressure could be applied compared to previous presses.

Kirkgate Market - Photographs

Following on fro the feedback discussion, I visited the market to collect some primary research. This is one of the benefits of Kirkgate Market - it is a current public space that is open 6 out of 7 days a week therefore can experience the atmosphere and surroundings of the market. Visiting the market has also meant that I was able to experience the effects of the current refurbishment that the market is going through. The refurbishment involves improving the overall look and feel of the market, as well as creating small and larger stalls to attract more stallholders and therefore customers.

This image represents the new logo type branding for the market. The 'KIRKGATE' typeface has qualities of that used in letterpress type. This is something to explore further in responding to the brief. 

The refurbishment has seen a new style of design to the market. To connect the different sections of the indoor market there are are a number of line drawings featuring on the walls. They reflect the original architecture of the building and add a modern aspect to the public space. There is a mix of serif and sans serif typefaces used for the branding of the market, demonstrating the history of the public space, as well as how it is adapting to its more modern surroundings. 

'Child Friendly' Typefaces - Research

From my knowledge of studying English Language, there is some evidence that identifies that children are more encouraged/find reading certain typefaces easier than others. Although this is not a fully proven comment, it is of interest to look at when completing this brief do to the young target audience of the YOYO cards. 

- The article posted on booksforkeeps.co.uk, written by Sue Walker goes into detail of the different aspects related to whether certain typefaces are better in helping children read. Walker goes on to explain a study that they carried out using the story, A Sheepless Night - 'We set the pages in serif, sans serif, script and informal typefaces, with and without infant characters. Some tests measured performance and others considered children’s preferences. The performance test asked questions such as: are serif or sans serif types easier or more difficult to read? Do children find infant characters (eg variants of ‘a’ and ‘g’) easier or more difficult to read? One test compared Century (serif type) and Gill Sans (sans serif type) set with and without infant characters, and a second compared Gill with infant characters with Sassoon Primary Infant, Flora and Fabula. Our recordings of children reading were subject to miscue analysis, but there were no significant differences, statistically, between the various typefaces which indicates that the children in this relatively small sample (48 children) were indeed receptive to considerable variation in letterforms.' 

This is an important statement to highlight. It demonstrates that children are able to identify different typefaces however have a consistent level of reading throughout each typeface form. 


- 'However, their reasons for preferring particular typefaces helped to identify some typographic factors that may influence children’s motivation to read. It was evident that children make judgements about the appearance of text and that associations can be strong. They described the ‘character’ of a typeface using words such as ‘brighter’ or ‘faster’ suggesting how motivation and appeal might be affected by typeface.' 

This is another important section of the analysis of the experiment. Although children are aware of different typefaces and have an equal reading ability even if the typeface changes, it demonstrates that there are some factors of a typeface that may be more appealing when reading - it all depends on how each child perceives the typeface and the appearance that they believe it to have. If this image of the typeface is described in a positive way then they are more likely to read the text. 

Walker also addresses infant and non-infant a's and g's. It is a common perception that that infant characters are more appropriate for beginner readers due to the letter appearing more like the ones they are taught to write in phonics. Through the study conducted, the evidence shows that children are able to identify that there are two different 'styles' to certain letters such as a and g. 




Ilene Strizver, Typography for Children


Text Legibility (Typeface choices)
- the counters should be rounded and open (Sassoon Primary)
- avoid non-traditional letterforms
- larger x-heights are generally easier to read
- avoid condensed or expanded typefaces (this makes character recognition more difficult)
- a book or medium weight is most appropriate


Typefaces designed for children
- serifed Bembo Infant
- Plantin Infant
- Gill infant
- Sassoon Primary

Making the text readable
- 14 to 24 point with 4 to 6 point leading (new readers follow words from left to right and jump their eyes from the end of one line to the beginning of another)
- short line lengths
- not too much text on a page
- avoid all caps setting
- ample contrast between the type and background


Headlines and Titles
- can be more playful in style, colour and layout (fewer words therefore acceptable)
- decorative typestyles, colour, curved and jumping baselines can be sed to attract a younger audience
- light and fun ! 

This is just a few notes that I have made from the article which I will thoroughly refer to when deciding on a typeface and setting the point size etc. 

The two articles that have been read indepth are slightly contradictory. Due to this, it is important to take factors from each and find a balance as well as getting feedback from the target audience to determine the most appropriate typeface. Looking at other print pieces for a similar target audience will also inform the decision. 

Idea discussion with peer

1 - The taboo around mental illness
2 - Graphic design and criminal investigations
3 - Graphic design and climate change



1 - This is the subject area which was most confidently discussed. Although we both recognised this subject area as being one that is becoming increasingly discussed, it is still an issue that arises in everyday life. Due to this there are a number of published articles and creative produced in relation to mental illness, whether that be academically or commercially. This opens up a range of approaches that could be taken in responding to the brief, focusing on this subject area. 

2. Although this subject area is interesting and less commonly seen as an issue, there are a variety of directions in which the response could be taken, with minimal room to focus on a concise subject area within criminal investigations. 

3. This subject area is again one that is continuously relevant however is something that I am focusing on through COP2. This may be seen as an advantage as I have already gathered a substantial amount of research. On the other hand, it would feel like the repetition of a brief and therefore not demonstrating a range in my abilities. 

Through discussing the 3 issue subject areas that have been initially researched it became clearer which subject area I was more passionate and confident with. This is something that is important when responding to the brief without making it about personal opinion/preferences. However, relating to my own design ethics and morals, the solution to this brief must be on a subject area that I am confident with as well as wishing to be associated with. Therefore the subject area that is going to be continued to be researched is the issues of Mental Health. This opens up a variety of subject areas to be explored and therefore a suitable issue to be identified and therefore practical work produced to overcome the issue. 

Time To Change

Time To Change are a growing movement of people changing the way that people think and act about mental health. Since starting in 2007, 3.4 million adults in England have improved attitudes towards mental health problems. As well as this, they have helped those to be more open to talking about mental health problems. Thanks to funding from the Department of Health, Comic Relief and the Big Lottery Fund, they have been able to strengthen who they are and the message that they are putting across. 

Their aims are to:

• Improve public attitudes and behaviour towards people with mental health problems.
• Reduce the amount of discrimination that people with mental health problems report in their personal relationships, their social lives and at work.
• Make sure even more people with mental health problems can take action to challenge stigma and discrimination in their communities, in workplaces, in schools and online.
• Create a sustainable campaign that will continue long into the future.

This is an example of an organisation who are directly addressing mental illness, the taboo around it and helping people overcome their problems. This therefore demonstrates that if these areas are addressed, then the issue will be overcome. 

One way in reach they reach out to others and aim to make a difference is through social marketing. They regularly run campaigns using a 'social media marketing approach to help change people's attitude and behaviours about mental health'. Through carrying out their own research they have identified that there is a 'persistent gap between the attitudes of men and women, with men consistently showing less favourable attitudes'. This research has informed their most recent campaign 'In Your Corner', aiming to encourage men to be more open and supportive to those fighting mental health. 

Little Sweden Art

Sweden-based artist Camilla Hallgren creates miniature art, looking at some of the biggest social issues and presenting them in a creative visual way. This artists demonstrates a unique and abstract way of visually addressing and communicating social, political and cultural issues.

- "I work with the overarching question: What does being a human mean? I suggest that one of the things it can mean, from an existential perspective, is being very small in a very big world."

The images are posted on Hallgrens instagram and receive a wide range of supporting comments. Although the images are accompanied by a caption, each is left for individual interpretation. This is something that the artist encourages. 

Facts

Clown Fish 

Length - 11cm Under Threat - 2 Lifespan - 6years Danger - 0

Not at extinction risk - decrease in population due to coral reefs being destroyed

- 28 different species

- Live near anemones, a creature that anchors itself to the see floor and uses its tentacles to attract food. the tentacles have sting cells that release a toxin when prey or a predator touches it
- Clownfish have developed an immunity to this toxin  through the build up of a layer of mucus

- All born male and have the ability to turn themselves female. Two male fish will mate and the bigger more dominant fish will become the female

- Live in groups led by the dominant female, the second largest fish being the dominant male

- Communicate through popping and clicking noises

- Omnivores

- Clown anemofish are called false clownfish because they resemble the orange clownfish

- There are subtle differences in appearance between the two fish


Blue Spotted Ray



Length - 71cm Under Threat - 2 Lifespan - 25years Danger - 6

Not at extinction risk - decrease in population due to coral reefs being destroyed

- Blue spots are a warning sign to other sea creatures, putting across the message that they are poisonous and can cause other fish harm

- Provides camouflage for other fish 

- One or two venomous spines

- It's yellow eyes located on the upper part of the body allow the fish to almost see behind him

- Can be found at the bottom of coral reefs, rarely seen in waters deeper than 66 feet

- Shy fish that is not confident with human contact

- Eats small fish, worms, shrimp and crabs

- The mothers can have up to 7 pups

- Predator; hammerhead shark

- Often captured for aquarium fish trade



Blacktip Shark


Length - 150cm Under Threat -6 Lifespan - 25years Danger - 7

- Wary around humans, can become aggressive around the presence of food 

- Females capable of asexual reproduction

- Near Threatened due to its low reproductive rate and high value to fishers

- Black tip sharks need to swim constantly to prevent suffocation (water enters the gills only when shark swims). They also need to swim to prevent sinking, because they do not have swimming bladder.

- Black tip sharks often leap out of the water and spin in the air. This behaviour may facilitate catching of fish that swim close to the surface of the water.



Green Sea Turtle

Length - 6cm Under Threat - 8 Lifespan - 100years Danger - 1

- Largest hard shell sea turtle

- Able to hold breath for hours at a time

- Females lay eggs on land every 2-4 years

- They lay 100-200 eggs each time

- Reach up to 35miles an hour

- Unaffected by the sting of the box jellyfish and regularly eat them





Whale Shark

Length - 610cm Under Threat - 7 Lifespan - 150years Danger - 8

- Lives to over 70 years

- Can weigh up to 12 tons

-  3,000 tiny teeth

- Reaches speeds no higher than 5mph




Giant Clam

Length - 120cm Under Threat - 7 Lifespan - 100years Danger - 1

- At times weighs more than 200kg

- Will remain in the same location its whole life

- Starts out as a male and then becomes a hermaphrodite






Big Box Jellyfish

Length -300cm Under Threat - ? Lifespan - 1years Danger - 10

- One of the most deadliest venoms in the world

- Pale blue and transparent in colour

- Up to 15 tentacles grow from each corner of the bell

- Can reach up to 4 knots through water

- Groups of 6 eyes on each side of the bell (box)


Due to the current language that the facts are written in, it may be more appropriate to adjust these so that they are more appealing to the 4-9 year old target audience.

Sketches

Using the rough sketches that we initially made for the meet up this week, I have since developed some of the designs. These sketches will help identify layouts that can then be made digitally for the first test print. This test print is important to determine the appropriate typeface, type size and layout design. 

This sketch was to demonstrate how the cards could link up together. This can be done by having the same plant on the left and right of the card, so that the cards fit and create a landscape illustration. This illustration could also be the print that the participants receive when they send in a particular number of cards. 

The above sketches demonstrate the variety of layouts that could be used for the back of the cards. These are designs that need discussing with the rest of the group as well as gaining other feedback on before proceeding to produce and experiment with digitally. 

Group Meeting

In today's meeting we discussed the research that we had individually collected. This informed the choices for sea life to focus on in terms of the illustrations and card designs. The illustrations will be completed by Emma and then myself and Bethan aim to put together the overall card designs, with the creative input of Emma. Decisions such as typeface, colours and general layout will be decided as a collective. 

As well as making focus decisions for completing the brief, print slots were also made. This gave deadlines to work with for the outcome to be tested and successfully printed to send off as part of the submission. This is a goal we would like to achieve due the importance of experiencing the aesthetics of the cards in person and not just through screen.
Whilst making the print appointments, we also discussed stock with the print technician. Due to the cards being packaged alongside food, they need to be stain and moisture resistant. This ensures that the quality remains and the cards are not affected by the food product. From considering this information we decided that a similar stock would be used to print the cards on. This would maintain the current durability that the YOYO cards have. 

Discussion with Primary School Teachers

Having analysed the text and design of the cards and sketching various templates that could be used, I spoke to a group of primary school teacher to ask her opinion on the current cards. Although this was more of a discussion it has been broken down into a question and answer format so that this information can be given to the other members of the group. 

What age range would you say the cards are aimed at?

- 9-12 year olds


Why have you said this age range?

- There is a lot of text on the back of the card
- Younger children would not be interested in reading this much text
- There is too much going on with the design for younger children to want to read 
- The wording on the cards is more advanced, only older children would be able to read and understand this


Do you think the 'top trump' element to the card is effective?

- Yes, the children would interact with the friends with this part
- Yes, its factual yet fun
- This could be made more obvious by giving the suggestion of interacting with friends
- Yes, could emphasise sharing more


What is your overall opinion of the card designs?

- There is too much going on, even I wouldn't want to read!
- The colours are dull and not that engaging
- The illustration on the front is appropriate to all ages
- There isn't enough emphasis on the fact that you can receive a free gift


Overall Comments:
- Don't make the text so simple that children will feel as though it is for a much younger audience, there is more than likely going to be an adult around to help with any reading if needed 
- Children would use the top trump aspect of the cards but may also be good to include a swapping cards aspect to the theme?
- Bright colours would make the designs much more engaging
- Simplify the design and make the facts interesting/unusual! 


Having this discussion has been highly influential as it has demonstrated what elements of the current design works and what requires adjustment. From the comments it could be said that a more simplistic design would be more appropriate for the age range of the target audience (4-9). This has been said to encourage the children to interact with the cards more. A further aspect that that would increase the interaction is including a sharing aspect/the top trump game. This is something to explore within the designs. 

Animal Top Trump Cards - Research

- Each of the top trump cards have different categories in which the abilities are scored. For example the Shark is rated in size, defence abilities, its level of threat, etc. Each of the 'categories' needs to be the same throughout each card in the pack as they are used as part of the scoring game. 

- The rules for the game differ between each pack however the general gist is that whoever has the highest proposed category gets given the card. On the bear cards, an overall score is given but this is not seen in any of the other more commercial Top Trumps cards. 

- The top trump cards are all landscape and the Bear YOYO cards are landscape. Experimenting with a different layout may be something that would benefit the design of the Bear cards.

- The amount of text that is on each card consists of two or more long sentences that are displayed in a small typeface due to the size of the card. This is a negative aspect that was picked up on through speaking to the primary school teachers. Keeping the text concise yet informative in a larger font size would be more appropriate to the 4-9 target audience age. 

Reflection

From having a feedback discussion based around the ideas for Studio Brief 01, the space that has been identified to continue researching in response to the brief is Kirkgate Market. As this is a public space that has withheld the development of Leeds there are a number of events that could be explored to demonstrate the shaping of Leeds and its community. 

Feedback on Ideas

1. Kirkgate Market: This public space has shaped and developed with Leeds thanks to the sense of community that surrounds the market and the traders/customers. From the market being originally opened in 1875, it has survived the second World War and has since been redeveloped and restored.

2. Roundhay Park: The park evokes a sense of community as it is a natural meeting point for events such as bonfire night and the more recent, Lantern Festival. The park is a natural space that is open to the public, welcoming families and all. 1891 brought the first ever public electric tram with overhead power in Britain to Roundhay Park, linking it with Leeds City Centre 3 miles away. This demonstrates the accessibility to the park that has developed and adjusted with the forever changing methods of technology.

3. Leeds Pride: This is an annual event which is held in August at Millenium Square. The event is a positive stance against discrimination and violence towards LGBT people. The rainbow flag used for the global event is highly recognised and reflects the positivity, sense of community and colour of the event. Leeds hosting this event demonstrates the cities support to its people, being held on the square in front of the Civic Hall.  

Feedback:

- 'As the Kirkgate Market is an ongoing event/open public space, you would be able to gather photographs and experience the atmosphere of the market'. - This is a important comment to consider as it adds a more in depth sense of research due to being bale to experience the market for myself. This is a stronger level of research as I would not be relying on the experiences of others/using the web for all my research

- 'The market is something that everyone knows about however isn't really celebrated.' - With the development of the Victoria Gate, the market is surrounded by other popular attractions and therefore needs the publicity to show it off!

- 'Leeds Pride is a very current event that is relevant to the social news.' With the tragic events that are happening and being reported in the news, the importance of this event is becoming increasingly relevant. 

- 'The use of rainbow colour is a clear representation of the event - this could be used in your design through florescent inks.'

- It was highlighted in the feedback that as I have not attended Leeds Pride or any of the other events that happen across a number of cities in the UK, the research would be based on others experiences and information taken from the internet. This can be seen as a positive as the design would be informed by a number of different views/opinions of the event. On the other hand, I would not want to produce a piece of work that is going to be publically displayed without having a personal understanding of the event and the reasons for attending. 

- Through the discussion with peers it was evident that Roundhay park is one that has been explored by a number of students. This would mean that to stand out in the exhibition, the design would need a unique element/reason to it.

Submission

The Milk Carton Kids - Graphic Design Research

The profiles of the 'Milk Carton Kids' is something that has recently been in the media. This is due to the recent rerun overview of the missing children, Patrick Warren and David Spencer. The two missing boys were the first to appear on the 4 pint milk cartons in 770 Iceland Stores. This method of appeal began in 1984 after the two separate disappearances of Eugene Martin and Johnny Gosch. 

The article posted on 99percentinvisible.org goes into detail of the boy's disappearance and how the local milk carton campaign began. This campaign quickly went national and therefore increased the exposure of the two local boys that were still missing. Over 5 billion cartons were printed with images and details of the missing children however there was little success in finding the missing children. 

There has been many controversy comments made about the nature of this campaign, with some suggesting that it was not an appropriate to feature such information on a milk carton. This being due to the conversations that were had over families sharing a meal at the table or from children asking shocking questions. On the other hand, from reading the comments posted about the article, many have said that the campaign raised awareness of 'stranger danger' and therefore made them aware, as children, what to look out for to remain safe. This provides two contradictory opinions towards the appropriatness of posting such media on such a public product. 

Questions raised:
- Did broadcasting images of the missing children on milk cartons cause kidnappers to become more frantic and therefore dispose of the children? (if this is what happened...) This may have been the case due to very few of the children being found
- Did posting the pictures help raise awareness and therefore prevent future abductions?

- Overall, the above two questions focus on whether graphic design brings more harm than good. 
This could be explored through a range of different graphic design areas such as branding, promotion as well as looking at graphic design in more general

Mental illness taboo

As part of the research section for this studio brief, I am going to look into subject areas of personal interest as well as those that may be less likely thought of. Due to looking at a larger issue subject matter in COP2, focusing on a large scale issue for this module is going to be avoided. 

Mary O'Hara, theguaridan.com Mental health is strongest taboo, says research

- 'In a survey of 2,000 people across Britain, almost 30% said they would find it difficult to admit publicly to having a mental illness, compared with 20% who said they would have difficulty coming out as gay.'

- 'the survey also found that admitting to a mental health condition was deemed harder than confessing to having a drink problem or going bankrupt.'

- "Perhaps it's no surprise that a separate study found fewer than four in 10 employers would feel able to employ someone with a mental health problem," the study's authors say.

- "The figures paint a bleak picture that reflects a Britain where mental health problems can stop you getting a job, having social interaction and getting on with life because they are so stigmatised."

- '20% of women said they would break up with a partner who was diagnosed with the condition'


Breaking the mental health taboo, bbc.co.uk/news/business-38211107

- "Society, the world in which I was operating, the country in which I was operating, it was taboo."


Why we need to STOP treating mental health as such a taboo, Cosmopolitan.co.uk, Catriona Harvey-Jenner, 4 feb 16

- 'For some reason, society has made it impossibly difficult for those suffering from mental health problems to be open about it.'

- 'A person should feel just as able to discuss their struggles with schizophrenia as they would a grazed knee.'

- 'Time To Change carried out some research, speaking to more than 7,000 people with mental health problems, and discovered that nearly two thirds had been left feeling isolated (64%), worthless (61%) and ashamed (60%) because of the discrimination they have previously faced.'

Each of the quotes have been taken from internet articles posted around the topic of mental illness taboo. This is a current issue that is becoming more and more relevant and spoken about in society however the issue is still present that people do not feel comfortable/confident enough to speak out/about mental illness. 

Lush - Social/Cultural Research

Lush, the cosmetic brand, are well known for their brightly coloured products and the intense sweet smell that greets you when you enter the shop. Unbeknown to many of their customers, Lush 'gives nearly £6 million a year to far-left groups'. The company financially supports activist groups such as No New Animal Lab and Peaceful Uprising as well as having a charity pot to fund their own protests and other charities. This support comes from the enthusiasm of the co-founder Mark Constantine, 'These small, grassroots groups are in line with Lush's values - protecting the environment, preserving human rights, and promoting animal welfare'. 

This is a demonstration of a socially well known brand which is associated with 'long candlelit baths, sharing showers, massage, filling the world with perfume and the right to make mistakes' is in support of groups that are actively trying to change the world, each focusing on different areas of change. In a study nvolving Quartz Media, they concluded that 'most' of the Lush customers were unaware that Lush directly funds action groups. Is this unethical? Should the customers of a brand be aware of where their money is going?



https://qz.com/609641/lush-sells-bath-bombs-and-cosmetics/

Sketches

Having analysed the current designs of the cards, this has informed the sketches that have been completed prior to meeting and discussing the brief further with the group. This will give direction to what works and what doesn't. It will also allow for a scale for the illustrations. 

The above sketches demonstrate the idea of including a card that identifies the location of the Great Barrier Reef. This would set the theme of discovery, with the following on cards be focused around discovering the different animals who live in the reef. This would be a way of adding contextual information as well as it being educational.

The above images are of initial sketches of the back side of the cards. Currently, this is where the factual information is presented as well as the top trump element to the designs. The additional information may not be necessary and therefore these designs demonstrate a more simplified option for a design direction. 

Ethics in the Design Field

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/02/ethics-in-the-design-field/

The following are said to be 'some of the most prominent ethical considerations designers deal with', written by Cameron Chapman

Spec Work - > Spec work is any kind of work whether it's a final piece or initial concept that is done without the client committing to pay a fee

- 'New designers will often be willing to work on spec to build their portfolios' - this seems like a valued positive towards completing spec work. However, I would not agree with doing this work as more likely than not, the client would be willing to pay for the same quality of work. I also do not agree with working for free as this is decreasing your own personal values.

- A further positive of doing spec work is that the designer can sometimes engage with more 'prominent clients by promising the client that they'll only pay if they like the design'. - Completing this type of work would demonstrate poor practise. The client should be involved throughout the design process to ensure that the work you are completing is appropriate and liked by the client. An alternative is that regular meetings with the client should keep the project on track and if any changes are needed, then they can be made before the final design is presented. 

- 'Companies requesting spec work often feel like they’ll get better designs, since they’ll have a variety of designs to choose from. They feel that by making it a competition, they’ll somehow get better work.' - This is a valid comment made by Webdesigner Depot as there are some organised competitions where the designer will see no feedback/praise/reward for submitting their design or for winning the competition. It is important for an individual to identify whether this is something that they agree with and if not, to explore the field further and find something that is appropriate to their own personal ethics.

The negatives for designers & industry:

-  Time you spend on a spec project could be better spent on paid work, or on marketing yourself to get paid work

- You’re opening yourself up to infringement. A company might go with a different designer, but then incorporate parts of your work, without paying you


Alternatives to spec work:

- Get in touch with local charities or community groups and see about doing some pro-bono work for them 

- Create projects for fake clients, or create some stock designs to sell. This is a great way to add to your portfolio without providing work for free, and if you sell stock designs, you might even be able to earn some money on the side - This is something that I am already doing as part of a creative trio. As well as being able to practise book binding and traditional printing skills, it also showcases each of us as designers and demonstrates what type of work we are interested in doing


Clients:

- Ensure that you complete your side of 'the deal'

- Complete the work in the arranged timeframe

- If the above are not possible, then apologise and offer to do what it takes to complete the brief


Charging:

- 'If you charge a set hourly rate based on the time you actually work on a project, then charging for more hours than you actually spent on a project would almost certainly be unethical.'

- 'if you charge by the project or based on market factors, then you’re not agreeing to charge based on the time you spent.' 

- Each of these quotes demonstrate the different ways in which a designer can charge a client. Whether it be project or individually dependant, it is important to ensure that the payment is agreed between both client and designer as well as the rate valuing the quality of work


Full Disclosure of Terms:

- 'It’s important that you disclose all the terms of your work with your clients. This means everything from payments and when they might incur extra charges, to who owns the rights to the work you create.'

- 'a document that both you and your client sign that spells out what the work is to be performed and what both sides expect.'

- ' let your clients know if any part of their design includes stock artwork, and what the licensing terms are. ' - There are a number of reasons why using stock artwork is appropriate and sometimes needed when completing a brief. However, as an individual, I always ensure that time is made to produce my own photography/artwork so that there are no stock images/artwork used. This makes the outcome fully my own and therefore demonstrates my abilities in a range of different medias. 



Copying

- Stealing the designs of others is always unethical. If your client or boss doesn’t understand this, it’s time to find a new job or a new client.

- From reading the article, this ethical issue could be said to be a lot higher in young proffessionals. This is due to some clients taking advantage of an individuals ability and some clients may think that due to having lesser experience, the designer is unwilling to stand out against copying requests

- What to do if the client requests a design that is reminiscent of another: 'Tell them why it’s unethical and that you can’t do it, but that you’ll create something that’s better, because it will be specifically tailored to their business.' 


Communication

- Communication is essential in producing a valued/appropriate/positive piece of design for a client. If the designer knows that the client requires then there is a lower change of ethical issues being raised