Tutorial sheets for Part 2

Tutorial sheets for Part 1. One of the images is quite difficult to read.

For Part 2 of my Negotiated Studies project I decided to focus on store layout and branding. I created a store/brand/concept and designed the exterior and interior of a pop-up shop that would be situated in the Duomo Square in Milan for 4 days. It’s purpose is to advertise Britain to Milan by showcasing British talent through new + innovative fashion brands, graphic designers + music.

This project has made me realise my future career aspirations. I am more interested in design and creating rather than promotions and marketing. However, I did enjoy the buying aspect to my project.
I need to think what I am working towards and what options are available to me so that I can build my portfolio effectively.

10 Corso Como is a ‘unique combination of fashion, art, music + design’.
Corso Como is an example of an Innovative, compelling, creative + modern store layout.
Selling products such as music, high fashion, homeware, accessories, jewellery and with it’s own bookstore + cafe, it is definitely the most inspiring store that I have visited. Maybe too expensive for students however.

For Part 1 of my Negotiated Studies project I created a set of postcards as an alternative out of the ‘typical tourist trail’ shopping guide for Milan. The concept of the guide is ‘inspirational shops’. I researched shops in Milan that were unique and interesting- and inspired me. I produced a guide that recommends the shops/stalls/events/galleries that I discovered, and drew an illustration of a particular interesting/inspiring product/feature. The idea of the postcards is that readers can contribute to the postcard and send in their inspirational shops + artwork to be featured in the up-coming pack.

I just bought this retro 1000 Land polaroid camera off Ebay for £22. I’ve wanted one for ages, I’m so happy with it, although the film it takes has been discontinued.. hmm. This is something I typically do, act before I think, or in this case act before I research.

I went on the official polaroid website after I purchased the camera, which is how I found out that SX-70 instant film is no longer sold. Although I can use 600 instant film but that involves a lot of faffing about with the exposure and lens re-adjustment etc. I’ll try it out though and if not I’ll sell it on.

I attended a lecture with John Noi, the editor of Spektacle magazine. His unique selling point was QR codes. QR codes are the latest technology in gaining information, only usable if the reader owns a Kaywa supported mobile phone. They’re used by ‘snapping’ the codes- which means scanning the code using the camera on the phone. This then automatically connects to the internet on the iPhone and links the reader up to more information of the article featured on the page they scanned.

It’s innovative, and a quick source to information, opposed to typing in and searching on Google. This idea has turned a magazine into an interactive magazine. Readers have the opportunity to gain further information quickly literally within the touch of a button, on the spot.

But.. is this too ahead of technology? I personally know about 4 people who own iPhones, which work with QR codes. QR codes will catch on, but I’m not sure if it will make people buy a mobile phone that is capable specifically unless QR codes really develop and appear on everything. Apparently they feature everywhere in Tokyo, which does not surprise me..

What inspired me about the lecture was that John Noi has created a magazine that has a USP that can not be found in any other magazine, and he has continued a concept throughout the magazine. How can I persuade my guide is better? It all bottles down to that question when it comes to promoting my guide.

Go to: http://www.spektacle.com -for a free PDF download of ‘Spektacle Heights’.

http://reader.kaywa.com -for more information on QR Codes.

http://www.i-nigma.com -for an explanation of QR Codes.

The form of my guide needs to be different. Eye-catching and most importantly appeal to my target market. As my target market is basically myself, I’ve made it very easy… I need to take into account where my guide can be found, could this alter the design? You’re in a dark bar, loud music, plenty of distractions that distract you’re eye line from a lot of things. A glow in the dark cover? Genius. I know I would like that. Would the majority?

There’s a lot to think about. I am keen on the idea of multi-use. Postcards. A form of communication. A good format for my guide. When finished with, it can be kept or passed on, stuck up or sent.

There was something relaxing yet compelling about not knowing where I was going, what I was going to find. I didn’t feel as claustrophobic or pushed along, as I would if I were on the high street.

I want to study them; take photos and do more fine line drawings. I want develop this idea into possible t-shirt/tunic designs, using the theme of british woodland animals.