1.4.2014
RATIONALE

For my brochure topic I chose to document and and design a booklet promoting 3 Wellington beaches. These beaches were Oriental Bay, Scorching Bay and Paraparmumu Beach. For each one I wanted to reflect the qualities and essence of each site. This meant Lively for Oriental bay, Rural for Scorching Bay and Peaceful for Paraparaumu Beach. I ended up using geometric shapes as symbols  to convey meaning into the spreads. Because the images by themselves were already busy, I used bold yet simple font as headings. I used flushed left, ragged right as my main typographic composition as I found it created the clearest visual hierarchy. Through this project I learned that I tend to use colour and shape heavily in my designs which often lead me to create cluttered compositions. However with the right guidance and practice I am able to simplify these compositions and create a clearer visual language.

31.3.2014
FINAL MOCK UP FOR HAND IN
Make/ Critique
I went to class today to show Lee the latest developments to my brochure and after some suggestions and considerations I touched up my final and exported it as a pdf.

After which I printed it and assembled the brochure. Tonight I will finish any missing components of my workbook.

25.3.2014
TYPOGRAPHIC EXERCISES AND APPLYING IT TO COMPOSITIONS
Understand/ Ideate/ Make/ Critique
We were given a simple cut and paste exercise in class involving headings and body text. This was to help us create an in depth understanding of typographic hierarchy and visual flow.

After some experimentation I then applied this to my spreads. The composition became clearer and easier to read. I've also listened to instructor and left more "beautiful white space" so that it wasn't so cluttered and simplified the typefaces I used so it didn't distract from the dynamic imagery.

24.3.2014
MAKING FIRST BROCHURE MOCK UPS AND CRITIQUE
Ideate/ Make/ Critique
Last week we were expected to begin making mock ups of our brochures. We were also encouraged to start printing to get a better visualisation of the final product.

Using the layout exercise as a basis for the compositions I finished my first mock up brochure. I decided to use vertical layouts rather than horizontal layouts as I found it more interesting as it is challenging to work with.

With critique I was told to keep my spreads consistent but interesting. At times I often found it hard to create hierarchy within the compositions. However, through Adobe InDesign I was able to scale, crop & experiment. I created more refined spreads that were easier to read.

18.3.2014
LEARNING ABOUT GRID AND MAKING LAYOUT THUMBNAILS
Understand/ Ideate/ Make
After a lecture about the importance of using grids to create effective compositions, I began to make thumbnails for my own brochure layout. I experimented with both vertical and horizontal layouts.

Through the use of shading I was able to have a better understanding of how information is read and which hold more priority.

17.3.2014
DEVELOPED 3 COMPOSITIONS
Define/ Ideate/ Make/ Critique
Using the basic elements I've obtained through the previous weeks, I developed better composed collages that captured the essence of each site. I narrowed it down to a set of images, shapes, textures and colours that best represent each site.

I made each so the it can be differentiated with each other yet work harmoniously when placed next to each other. I wanted to capture what made each beach special other than sand and water. When presented to the class, my peers and tutors said that it looked "fun" yet a little busy.

11.3.2014
COLLECTED ARTIST MODELS
Understand/ Ideate/ Critique
I collected artist models during class to help inspire me to use a particular style that would fit my topic. Lately I have been finding geometric shapes interesting so I somehow wanted to incorporate that into my work.

Lee tells me that though I may use beautiful shapes, I must consider it's relevance to the site and composition of the spread.

10.3.2014
CREATED 3 COLLAGES USING ICON, INDEX & SYMBOL
Define/ Ideate/ Make/ Critique

Using the textures I generated from visiting my sites I created 3 collages. They gave me an opportunity to experiment with imagery and form an essence of my site through the use of icon, index and symbols.

These were very basic and open for further development

3.3.2014
COLLECTED VISUAL RESOURCES AT SECOND SITE AND STARTED CREATING COMPOSITIONS
Understand/ Make
I went to my second site and collected a number of photographs. Like before, I narrowed it down to 6 shots that best captured the key elements of the site.

I began to identify the differences in each sight after considering the atmosphere and mood as well as observing the people who visited my site. I also noted the difference in surroundings and sensual experiences such as noise and scents.

At class we were given an activity to create 3 collages using icon, index and symbol based on each site. So far I am satisfied with the 2 I have finished and am open to critique and feedback tomorrow.

2.3.2014
COLLECTED VISUAL RESOURCES
Research/ Gain Insight
I went to one of my sites to photograph the area and experience first-hand it's mood and ambience.

I was able to collect a number of photographs, narrowing it down to six shots that best captured the essence of the beach.

It was a juxtaposition of peacefulness and amazement at the scenic traits of the site.

26.2.2014
COLLECTED BROCHURES FOR POTENTIAL SITES
Research

I went to i-site in the city (near the library) and collected brochures related to my potential sites.
This also gives me an impression of how these locations are advertised to attract to a target audience.

With this I can hopefully obtain key elements in each design used in these brochures to identify the appeal of each location.