October 4th, 2008

pixel icon explorations

Going with the slightly retro feeling, I’ve been creating some icons to use in patterns and possibly as trademarks in the promotional pack. The icons take objects that represent some of the core style values that I’ve identified through speaking with Natasha.
Note: Pixel illustrations are hard to do.


Nike Dunks


Kanye West Glasses


Lipstick


Lips

October 4th, 2008

pattern explorations

View at full size for all it’s eye-numbing splendor.

September 29th, 2008

milestone: concept presentation


Today was the review of our fleshed out concepts. And that’s all I have to say about that.
More to come after I’ve had some eats…
Alright, now that I’m thoroughly sushied, time to assess.

Natasha was quite pleased with the direction the form is taking. The cd is definitely a go on the client end, and I also made the call, as it reinforces the idea of the music as more permanent thing. While there are numerous methods for hosting content on the internet, and that does make it easier to update, the scene of which Natasha is a part seems to have a certain adherence to a sort of revised 1980’s aesthetic, and I think tangible music helps to convey that.

The digital approach was something that I was hesitating on, since I didn’t know if that would quite jive with Natasha’s approach, but it was extremely well received, particularly the lips icon (although the gold tooth will have to go, as Cherchez doesn’t have one).

All this said, the overall form is pretty much set, and it’s time to start planning out the solid visuals, and getting down to attempting a hand-written poster.

Link to the presentation
DesignforPrint2_ConceptPresentation_Sept29 (pdf 2.7mb)

September 22nd, 2008

milestone: 1st review

isabelle’s comments
It’s going in the right direction. Need to ensure that the materials and form remain appropriate to the subject matter. More iterations of form that utilize the elements already incorporated.

Isabelle S says:
I’m not certain it needs to have a CD. I think the premise that it could be a keepsake or some kind of leave-behind works but it ties you to a certain format. The physical object could simply be a call to action to access Natasha’s music on the web which would free you up to create whatever format you see fit.

natasha’s comments
Lipstick writing would definitely be appropriate. Suggested use of some of the party style pics from her DJ Cherchez Facebook profile. Suggestion of the use of charm bracelet accessories (JuicyCouture) brought up again. May actually have these produced when completed. Incorporation of appropriate street style language will be essential. Review previous posters/flyers created for shows.

next steps
Need more iterations of form. Preliminary mockups of folding for case. Check out examples of similar packaging methods for dvds (Sealab 2021 Season 2, Harvey Birdman discs) Rough mockups of handwritten text in lipstick on photos. Look into renting/purchase/borrow Lumo for that hipster’ish photo look.

September 22nd, 2008

proposal | 1st mood board

the brief
Create a self-promotional piece for one of my classmates. The format can be anything I choose, so long as it is printed in some way or another. Business cards to portfolios, whatever I feel like.

the client
Natasha Lands aka “DJ Cherchez”
Natasha is a photographer whose work focuses mainly on fashion and portraiture, with a sideline of working in street style/apparel sort of shooting. Her potential clients for this would be more upscale photography firms and representatives, or smaller independent clients for indie or street apparel companys, skate shops, etc.
She also does work as a DJ under the name “Cherchez” solo and as a team, “Team Cream” with her partner. Her influences draw from groups such as Kid Sister and MIA. Her design and graphic influences stem from the work of artists like Kate Moross, who utilize a style heavily drawing on hand illustration and typography, bold color choices, and a whole lot of attitude.
She identifies with highly feminine imagery and motifs, charm bracelets, , old perfume bottles, lipstick, and the like. In your face silkscreens and Nike dunks are the word of the day. Also of note, the graphic styles used in videos such as Kanye West’s “The Good Life” and Justice’s “D.A.N.C.E.”

the audience
A younger demographic, the people most likely to seek out and enjoy her style of spinning and who will identify with her style. Most likely aged 17-35, western culture, based in North America or the UK/some parts of Europe. The most likely target for the promotional piece will be promoters, DJ’s, venue owners, and other potential Dj’ing clients, as well as her public audience interested in listening to her music, and getting to know her style and influences.

the deliverable
Create a promotional package which includes a cd, brief biographical details, contact information, and something for the viewer to play or interact with in some way. The deliverable must be something which possesses the relevant information for a promoter or venue owner to use, as well as a value-added cd package for purchase by fans at shows to assist in distributing her music.

And yes, I know that this is almost the same post as last time.

the proposal
dfp_selfpromo_proposal_v1 pdf (56kb)

September 20th, 2008

assignment 1: self-promotion (for someone else)


Justice “D.A.N.C.E.”

the brief:
Create a self-promotional piece for one of my classmates. The format can be anything I choose, so long as it is printed in some way or another. Business cards to portfolios, whatever I feel like.

the client:
Natasha Lands aka “DJ Cherchez
Natasha is a photographer whose work focuses mainly on fashion and portraiture, with a sideline of working in street style/apparel sort of shooting. Her potential clients for this would be more upscale photography firms and representatives, or smaller independent clients for indie or street apparel companies, skate shops, etc.
She also does work as a DJ under the name “Cherchez” solo and as a team, “Team Cream” with her partner. Her influences draw from groups such as Kid Sister and MIA. Her design and graphic influences stem from the work of artists like Kate Moross, who utilize a style heavily drawing on hand illustration and typography, bold color choices, and a whole lot of attitude. She identifies with highly feminine imagery and motifs, charm bracelets, , old perfume bottles, lipstick, and the like. In your face silkscreens and Nike dunks are the word of the day. Also of note, the graphic styles used in videos such as Kanye West’s “The Good Life” and Justice’s “D.A.N.C.E.”

the audience:
A younger demographic, the people most likely to seek out and enjoy her style of spinning and who will identify with her style. Most likely aged 17-35, western culture, based in North America or the UK/some parts of Europe. The most likely target for the promotional piece will be promoters, DJ’s, venue owners, and other potential Dj’ing clients, as well as her public audience interested in listening to her music, and getting to know her style and influences.