05 Meeting

Unfortunately, Bash was unable to attend this meeting. Poor communication on his behalf meant that his lack of attendance was not communicated until the time of the meeting and adjustments to the schedule therefore had to be made. As this meeting was organised so that we could work together on the development of the character design, the responsibility of completing this is now on his behalf. To ensure the continuation of the project, the scheduled time was taken for completion of research and development of the other aspects to the brief response. 

On further discussions with Bash, it was decided to only complete one animation. There were many concerns made by Bash due to his scheduling for other projects. This will allow for more time to be taken on the one animation, ensuring it is produced to a high standard. 

Meeting @ Peter&Paul

The meeting with Daniel from PeterPaul was informative and constructive in the development of our concept pitch. He produced the following slides to help advice us on how to strengthen our concept and ensure that it continues to develop and grow before the pitch to the marketing team.

Notes from meeting:

• There needs to be reasoning by colour choices, represent each course through a colour? photograph work that is going to be in the show and manipulate it to creative a similar merge effect? 
• Everything needs referencing behind so that it is clear and makes sense to the marketing team
• Add description copy to explain the title of the show 'RADIATE, showcasing the emerging talent at the...' 'RADIATE, emitting the emerging creativity from Leeds Arts university at the...'  This can be a small sentence that flows into the dates of the shows, providing context and explanation to the audience
• Content must be ready to hand over to marketing on day of pitch
• Animation; animated poster
• Consider a social media page for the show. Could profile students to showcase them and provide an insight into the work at the show + for those who may not be able to attennd

Game Design Research

As a collective we decided to individually research various game designs and pitch a concept to the group. This allows for inclusion of all members research and thoughts behind the design of the card game.

My proposal was to keep the design flat and minimal, with bold use of colour to add fun and dimension to the design. This is a current style seen in some of the above examples. It also reflects current trends and therefore would appeal to the stated target audience. 

Rule Writing

Research:

Social Media Research

To provide a developed response to the brief, considerations have been made as to how the campaign can be broadcast through social media. Previous research has shown that there is a high percentage of millenials who engage with content on social media on a daily basis. A consideration mentioned in the brief, is how can the campaign make the release of the Student Art Pass feel like an event. Referencing is made to the release of festival tickets. 

Investigated the social media pages of 2018 festivals. Findings:
- Animation of text/imagery has been used to inform the audience of the acts playing at the festival/other infomration
- There is an overall trend of motion to make information more enticing and engaging for the audience
- Many festivals/social media pages are not on track with this trend. Including animation on the Art Fund social media page would set it apart from these pages

Examples.
Leeds/Reading festival has used video content to communicate with their audience

Glastonbury has used image, including type, to communicate with their audience

04 Meeting

In this meeting we discussed the character formation for the animation. As Bash has experience with character design, we decided that this would be an area that he he completed the artwork for. The plan allows for reference for Bash to follow independently.

Guy 1

- white/black trainers

- brown hair

- black jeans

- plum hoody

Guy 2

• Grey Headphones
• Blonde hair
• Blue jeans
• Red tshirt
• Trainers

Girl 1

• Brown hair
• Blue jeans
• Pink coat
• White trainers

Girl 2

• Black hair
• White tshirt
• Grey jeans
• White trainers

Guy 3

• Black hair
• Deep blue jeans
• Light blue puffa coat
• White trainers

Guy 4

• Blonde hair
• Neutral trousers
• Plum tshirt
• Black trainers

Girl 3

• Blonde hair
• Black jeans
• Grey hoody
• White trainers

We looked at previous animation reference to determine how best to add dimension to the character. As it was decided to keep the vector drawing flat colour, this has to be consistent throughout all design.

For continuation of this project the character designs will be complete by Wednesday 28th Feb, along with the background scenes. 

Game Play

Testing the game is one of the key stages in the game production method we are following. This highlighted the following issues with the game:
- More variation in words/imagery, need to be more current day
- There needs to be a phrase/word said by each player before placing the card down. This ensures all attention is being made to the game
- Consequence cards need to be more simple so that players take part in the tasks

We got through!

Scene Development

The first scene completed, in response to the storyboard produced by Bash.

Exhibition Space

Having contacted Hyde Park Book Club in regards to their exhibition space, a meting was arranged with the event organiser Joe. This meeting gave us the opportunity to see the space as a blank canvas and discuss certain elements such as dates and costs. Although Joe was very encouraging and enthusiastic about holding the exhibition at HBPC, the space lacked certain qualities that we would like. The space is located in a basement and there was therefore no natural light. This gave the room a dark atmosphere that was not helped by the scuffed walls and stone floor. There is also a charge of £50 to use the room. On discussions with Hilda after the meeting with Joe, we decided to reserve a date with Joe as a back up plan. This gives time to contact more local spaces that offer spaces for free. As there is no budget to pay for a space it is important for us to explore all the options.

Submission Boards

03 Meeting

Storyboard:

In this meeting we decided it would be productive for Bash to complete the storyboards whilst together. This meant that at the end of the meeting we had completed the next stage of the plan and individually have time to work on the next stages of development. These being producing the vectors for the animation.

Finalised Concept

The concept was chosen as it was the structure that related to all the values selected, as well as demonstrating the progression of individuals through being part of the university. This concept was discussed and developed from E and G's original theme ideas.

The Concept: 

Diffuse, spread over a wide area or between a large number of people. This allows the mind to wander freely and make connections. This represents how creativity is spread throughout the university and the individuals that are apart it. 

Research, Concept

Other graduate show identities. I annotated this page to highlight areas of the designs.

- Consistent theme of red/pink colour usage.

Imagery research.

Name Exploration, informed by values and concept thoughts:

Diffuse:

- spread over a wide area or between a large number of people

Disperse:

- distribute or spread over a wide area

Circulate:

- move continuously or freely through a closed system or area

Fluid:

- a substance that has no fixed shape and yields easily to external pressure; a gas or (especially) a liquid 

- able to flow easily

Radiate 

- diverge or spread from or as if from a central point

- emit (energy, especially light or heat) in the form of rays or waves

Flow:

- go from one place to another in a steady stream, typically in large numbers

Visuals:

Mood board to represent our visual thoughts of diffusion.

Game Development

From the research carried out, the decision was made to progress with a card game format for the outcome. It is evident from the research that there are many board games on the current market. There are also a number of popular, traditional card games that require the use of a standard deck of cards. This identifies room in the market for a modern card game that attracts the 16-24 audience stated in the brief.

Snap + Through the Window = Associate.


Prototype

Rules:

This prototype allowed for the game to be played following the initial rules. The following adjustments/design decisions were made:

- Image and words on cards need to be reflected so that they are visible from any viewpoint of play

- The movement of placing cards needs to be stated in the rules

- Simpler consequences 

- Imagery/words need to be more challenging

Concept Exploration

Group idea process

As a group we used the process that Abraham (The Pop Up Agency) taught us to work through the idea process in a conscience group way. This meant that all ideas were discussed and we were able to develop from this. One issue that did occur is the struggle to think visually. To progress, visual research would be required. 

Values that we have outlined from the brief and our own expriences

Mood board by E and G

Concepts:

Growth - Representing the growing talent and network of the university. The community of the university is getting bigger now that more students are graduating and there is an overall university expansion.

Movement - Showing how we are moving forward as creatives and the progress we have made. as well as the visual actions that we do within our work. ripple effects with fluid and light

Connect - showing the links between the course and the connections we have mediate, creating a network, family of creatives

End Of Year Show - The Brief

The Brief - Design the concept and promotional material for the annual Leeds Arts University, end of year Foundation and Degree show. 

The Concept - Should reflect the essence and purpose of the show.
- University-wide exhibition therefore the concept needs to represent all courses

Requirements
- Innovative and have a strong visual identity
- Creative, eye catching
- The logo must be visible and legible on every design
- A0 Poster, email header, flyer, online graphics, publication adverts, external signage, exhibition guide

What is Leeds Arts University?
- The only specialist university in the North of England
- Creative community
- Open to new ideas, progression and experimentation
- Many of the staff are practicing artists/designers
- Small and friendly
- Student-centred
- Critical in thinking
- Proffessional
- Progressive


Target Audience
- Local feeder schools, teachers, pupils
- College students, parents, staff and management
- Applicants
- General local public
- Alumni
- Local artists
- Creative industry proffessionals and businesses

Card Games

Snip Snap Snorem- 52-card deck dealt out between all players- The person to the left of the dealer lays down a card from their hand. The player to the left checks their hand for a card of the same rank and lays it down and says 'snip'. The second matcher shouts 'snap' and the third 'snorem'. - It is wise to play a card that you also have a match for- The first player to get rid of all their cards is the winner. To extend the competitive element of the game, there could be a consequence for not shouting the word or for shouting the word wrong

Snap- 52-card deck dealt out between all players- A family favourite game- Snap mechanic makes the game interactive and encourages the players to play at a fast pace

Through the Window- 

Cheat
- 52-card deck dealt out between all players
-  A turn consists of discarding one or more cards face down on the pile, and calling out their rank. 
- Play starts at Ace and continues up through the card rank 
- Cards are discarded face down, you do not have to play the rank you are calling. E.g if it is your turn to discard Sevens, you may actually discard any card or mixture of cards; in particular, if you don't have any Sevens you will be forced to play some other card or cards.
- Any player who suspects that the card(s) discarded by a player do not match the rank called can challenge the play by calling "Cheat!"
- Then the cards played by the challenged player are exposed and one of two things happens:

1. if they are all of the rank that was called, the challenge is false, and the challenger must pick up the whole discard pile;
2. if any of the played cards is different from the called rank, the challenge is correct, and the person who played the cards must pick up the whole discard pile.

This game has elements of thought and action process. All players much retain attention so that they do not get called out as a 'cheat'. 

Researching card games has shown that there is a key gap in the market for a verbal game which requires the use of a new, interactive set of playing cards for the modern audience. As the brief requires a reinvention of a traditional game for commercial benefit, the outcome needs to function with a new product. 

Research

This research focused on presenting work in a printed format. 

Idea Generation

Having gathered a body of research and from completing a primary body of content, the following stage would be to present this information in a cohesive and conclusive format. From discussing the following ideas in a discussion group, it became evident that there is a strong need for the outcome to be visually engaging. This supports my own previous analysis of research when investigating this subject area. 

Feedback:

- Presenting the outcome as a lab report would reflect the quality and validity of the study

- Having a printed outcome can increase the audiences engagement as many find it easier to read from a physical rather than screen. This is a comment that  reflects my own opinions. The work that I produce should represent my preferences when appropriate

- There is room to be quite playful with the design or a poster/flyer but this would depend on how 'serious' you want to present the findings.

From the discussion the conclusion was made that a PDF document can be un-engaging. If the qualities of a poster/flyer could be filtered into this type of format, it would produce a more interesting piece. This has provided the direction for further research into publications and how they can interact with the audience.  

Rethink

Initially, a photograph of the participants was taken Monday to Friday for two weeks. In review of the photographs the quality was poor and therefore not of a sufficient quality to be used. This was discussed in a tutorial and the following study will take place.

Study:
Three participants of the same gender, demographic, and study discipline will take part in the study over a two week period. Each participant will document their clothing choice every morning, Monday to Friday as well how they feel that day. To gain high quality photographs to be used to represent the data, the participants will take place in a photoshoot at the end of the two week period, where each outfit will be photographed. 

Exhibition Space - The Old Red Bus Station

The Old Red Bus Station was a location recommended to my by a peer. From contacting the bar a meeting was arranged to explore he space further and see which dates they had available. Unfortunately after gaining more of an understanding as to where the work would be displayed we had to inform Rob that it was not right for us. The exhibition space is located above tables that are in the main bar area. This does not allow for primary focus of the work which is something we would like the chosen exhibition space to have.

Submission

Colour adjustments were made to the graphics to make the colours stand out more against each other. This adds depth to the design and relates to the described scene in the book. 

Group Idea Generation

Elements we would like to include in the game:

This meeting resulted in the development of a concept of a game. However the conclusion was made that this game was over complex for the requirements of the brief and all members of the team were not fully invested in the game. The continuation of the project will involve further research and another group idea generation. 

The Brief

The brief was sent out to:
- Students at LAU (this was organised through a discussion with Levi Bond)
- Social media
- LAU collaboration facebook page

Identity Exploration

Feedback

- The eye design is too literal. This would suggest that this design goes against the theme of the exhibition.

- The 6th design is the strongest visually. It is eye catching for a display purpose but also works strong digitally. 

- 6th adds dimension to the design. This relates to the theme of the exhibition.