Doopla Designer Collective

http://www.dooplacollective.com/

• multi disciplinary
• typography
• conceptual
• but not sustainable
• some nice illustration with conventional type
• creative 'about' > makes them stand out . makes you this what kind of designers work in this studio

Purpose : London

http://www.purpose.co.uk

• a lot of editorial
• printed media including asdvertising
• london
• really nice style of editorial work
• they use lots of photography which is not one of my specialty but it would still be really good to learn
• I dont think I will be emailing them as I dont think this is the most appropriate studio for me to contact

Studio Makgill

They have some really nice branding which I really like and also , Their mission ' thought before action'. They also design quite a wide range of print design including billboards and a lot of editorial design.

I know its not a sustainable Graphic design but I think that it would also be a good idea for me to contact them anyway. They may not be interested in the environment but I'm still interested in becoming a good designer.

http://www.studiomakgill.com/

Task 4: Who else is out there-how good are they ?

Who am I competing against?

Other graduating Graphic Designer students from all over the country. Also other Graphic Designers looking for new jobs


What do they offer?

Some of the these competing Graphic designers may have had more experience than me. Those who have already practiced as a designer in the real world obviously has experience as their advantage. Many graduating Graphic designers would have had at least one or two work experience. Apart from that.



What makes me better/ different?

First of all, other than the enterprise module that we have been doing at the Art college ( which I don't think many other colleges do) I will be doing a masters degree in MBA after I graduate from this college. Therefore I will have a more extensive knowledge about marketing and businesses which could become a huge advantage to my potential employers. The Leeds college of art and design provides students with facilities that not many other colleges do and I have had the chance to familiarize myself with many of those facilities. Eg. Letter press, a great print and digital resources.

One of my values in my design practice is sustainable Graphic Design. Some agencies/ companies seeks designers who are environmentally and socially responsible.

Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of 3 design agencies

BEAM-

The strengths of BEAM agencies are that the studio is based in central London, which is in the heart of many businesses. It should not be easy for them to gain clients. They are also committed to designing with concerns for the environment in their mind. This is an ethical company that also produces work of the highest quality. They also take on a wide range of jobs from print to interactive to environmental designs. Their weaknesses would be that they are quite a small firm, but this could be what they were looking for. Their printed designs are quite similar to each other, almost generic. So, I would say that many of their designs are quite save , but that could be exactly what the clients want thought.

Celery Design-

This is quite a big agency with two studios in California and Paris. So, this could be both a strength and a weakness. There will be different types of people working towards toward the same goal with the same values. However, a smaller agency, designers might be more close knitted while working with each other. They are also very committed in sustainable Graphic Design. One of their founders is actually the author of ‘ Green Graphic Design’ a well-known book that most sustainable Graphic Designers would have read. The agency’s work is of the highest quality, especially with innovative sustainable designs. They’re very active a d involved. Lots of events and conferences etc. They are so focused on sustainable Graphic Design, naturally that would be a good thing. However, all their clients are all ‘green’ organizations and I am also really interested in layout and editorial designs but they don’t do very many of those.

Firebelly-

A design agency based in central Chicago. This is also quite a large agency I think but not as big as Celery design. One strength that I feel really strongly about as it directly relates to me is that they have a large section on their website about internships and how to apply etc. this shows that they welcome young students to be a part of their practice and giving us a chance to experience the real industry. They have a wide range of clients as well which is great for networking etc. I’m finding it quite hard to find weaknesses by just looking at their websites. So far, I feel like may be the agency gives off a bit of cooperate and generic feeling. A less carefree one but perhaps that’s not a bad thing?

To evaluate, there are many opportunities available to me but I will competing against so many other graduating and already practicing Graphic Designers. From looking at these design agencies, some are more vocal about their interest in taking internships. And some of them, a bigger agency than the other might also be more interested in accepting younger less experience designers as they will have more capabilities and resources to accept new young designers. All of these agencies are very committed to sustainable Graphic design. I need to make sure that I show them that I am also committed in the same values that they are in order for the 'opportunities' to present themselves. In order to stand out from the other competing designers, my portfolio will need to consist of a wide range of design works with different media. I have had the advantage of the facilities provided by the Leeds college of art such as, a great digital and print resources. We are able to build a strong portfolio showing our capabilities to work with a range of media ( some, others have had not the opportunity to ) and this is what will make me stand out from the rest. Lastly, although these agencies are quite big already and will have extensive knowledge in marketing and businesses, they might still see my degree in MBA as an advantage for their company especially compared to other young designers like me without such knowledge. Along with the right portfolio that shows my commitment in sustainable graphic design I hope that an opportunity to work in one of these firms or firms like these will present themselves.

Task 3: How will I promote myself

I this task I want to focus on two possible groups of potential clients. One is Graphic Design studios who may be my potential employers or if I was working as a free lance Graphic Designer, a group of people who may want to hire me to design for them. ( non-profit organization, ones to do with sustainability and they may be looking for a designer)

In the last task I focused on one Graphic Design firm, BEAM

This is their mission statement


To evalute ' How will I promote myself'

I believe that the client group would want to hear that I am a fresh young Graphic Designer who can bring in new engaging vibrant work. I can provide them with a different perspective and this may help their work to stand out. I would also let them know that I am very committed in sustainable Graphic Design and this is one of the reasons why I seek them. ( and other Graphic Design studios like them ) Using the 'communication mix' I would try and get my work into as many exhibitions as possible. The art college offers many opportunities for design students to show case their work. Many young designers put on joint exhibitions of their work. Then we can advertise these events through the college, who have many visiting Graphic Designers, firms, etc. I have my own blog and will need to create a personal website which also links to my blog. But on my website, there would be my portfolio of my selected work. The portfolio will show the kind of work I have been creating and this will show my potential clients/ employers of my commitment in sustainable Graphic Design. ( as many of my work at the end of my 3rd year will be concerned with sustainable Graphic Design). I wouldn't be using direct mails as one of the methods to get my work/name out there as this may look contradictory to my beliefs. I think that my main method of getting myself out there would be online. ( websites, online social network) I could also try and get my work into magazines, especially design magazines. Many of them have ' green' issues or features on the environment. Eg. IdN magazine recently had a 'green' issue where they featured many young upcoming designers who are environmentally committed. Also, networking events could be something that is beneficial to me. Perhaps ones that are concerned with the environment or those of non-profit organizations. Many organizations will need a designer to either do their branding on promotional work. I could even offer to may be take a job ( perhaps the first one ) for free, that way I am building up a CV and portfolio showing my commitment to my values.

Root Studio

Root studio

'

ALthough this is a sustainable Graphic design studio but I really dont like any of their work. I thought that I would put this on my blog as well. I want to show both the type of design I am interested in and the type of design that I am not such a big fat off.

I think that their design is quite mainstream and 'popuar' but its not the kind of Graphic design I would like to be producing.

Thomas.Metthews: London

http://thomasmatthews.com/index.php

homas.matthews is a leading practice in sustainable communications.

We produce high quality, innovative design at a time when simplicity of solution and clarity of message matters. To put it another way, we believe in good* design. *appropriate, sustainable and beautiful.

When we say appropriate we mean communicating the message through the most effective medium to the right audience. Sustainable we define as design that has embedded systemic sustainability. And beautiful, through the creation of an eye catching and well-crafted outcome.

Our studio has teamed up with global corporations, architects and planners, museums, governments and world changing NGOs to create a whole range of projects. Whether it’s design for branding, consultation, campaigns, print, web, signage or exhibitions, sustainability is always in mind. It’s not a ‘buzz word’ to us and we haven’t retro-fitted it onto our list of services. It’s been the foundation of our studio from the start and we’re always pushing to do better.

Thinking differently

Priorities are changing – design and communication need to reduce negative environmental impacts and enhance the positives within society. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because this opens up a whole new creative world.

Backwards thinking has never been so important – we go on a journey together to consider the outcomes of our design right from the start, reducing the negative impact in your emissions and resource use. This allows us to avoid the roadblocks to creating authentic design that makes sense for you and the next generation.

Working together

Our 12 years of experience in this area has allowed us to understand how to turn business CSR and sustainable strategy into creative, appealing and understandable outputs. So much of the time we see good intention lost in design that does not fulfil the vision behind it. Sustainability in business should give integrity, not greenwash and should inspire change from your consumers and clients.

Unsustainable is not a word of the future – you can either watch this movement happen, or join in and discover where it can take you. The good news is that if you embrace this way of thinking, real opportunities like cost savings and brand differentiation open up.

Lowres Creative Studio

Sustainable Graphic Designer. I really like this style of design ( poster) illustration with nice bold and clean type.

I als really like this design at the fact that he also do branding. I know that this is just one designer and not a studio but I think it might be a good idea to contact him for some feedback on my work

Task 2: Where are they- How will they find me?

Local : TCDC ( Thailand Creative and Design Centre) Thailand

This one is a little different from the rest of client groups I have found. It was quite difficult to find a Graphic Design studio in Thailand that pride themselves in sustainability. In fact, it was hard finding a Grpahic Design Agency at all. However, they do employ many creatives in order to promote their events and workshops. ( through a variety of media). I am very familiar with the centre as I am a frequent visitor to the design library.


The TCDC was originally establish by the previous prime minister to provide up coming designers , student and entrepreneurs the opportunity to acquire the most updated and varied knowledge in software and the industry.
The government has established Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) one of the 8 divisions under the Office of Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD), Office of the Prime Minister. TCDC is also in cooperation with private sectors, SME entrepreneurs and designers aim to raise public awareness of using design to add value to their products along with helping Thai designers work gain visibility in the local and global marketplace. Therefore I think the center would be interested in a diversity within their organization. I am a Thai student studying Graphic Design in the UK and could provide them with an alternative perspective on the creative design industry.

The philosophy of the TCDC is '"New expressions of creativity create jobs and income. Though creative thinking and economics appear to be separate matters, we must put them together".

National : BEAM London

BEAM is a Graphic design consultancy based in London who pride themselves in their design and their environmental commitment. When I first came across this company, I thought that this is the kind of place I would really like to work. They seem to know what they are talking about and really do care about the environment. Their commitment is shown through their company's website. They comply with all relevant environmental legislation and codes of practice and keep themselves up to date with environmental news. Another reason why I was really interested in this company is that they also produce a lot of publications. In this econimic crisis, one of The problem with sustainable design is that many clients still believe this to be a more expensive option and some may be out off. On the other hand, more and more people are becoming more aware of the impact their companies may have on the environment and therefore are becoming more environmentally responsible. Clients who need something branded or designed have their own clients and if they can say that their company is 'green' then that provides them with an extra 'point' for loving the environment which will boost their financial situation. Technology has evolved so much that its becoming cheaper for a designer to be sustainable. With the government becoming more and more supportive of solving these environmental challenges, designers , who are seen as one of the largest contributors to global warming and 'ruining' the environment, I think it is important for one to take responsibility.



European : Celery Design Paris

Celery Design is a studio graphic design studio who also believe in cutting edge green design working across different media. They are very well established with Brain Daugherty who is the author of the well know book, ' Green Graphic Design'

"One of Celery’s roles over the years has been as an advocate for a new model of graphic design that deals proactively with social and environmental challenges. Through frequent lectures, magazine articles and public outreach projects such as the Ecological Guide to Paper, Celery has worked to influence other graphic designers to embrace sustainability as a crucial design objective. Celery’s work in this area was recognized with an Environmental Leadership Award from the American Institute of Graphic Arts. The firm’s work has been featured in numerous publications including ID Magazine’s ID 40 list of influential design firms."


We advocate that designers actively engage with people both upstream (relating to business strategy and marketing plans) and downstream (relating to materials, manufacturing, and distribution) from the traditional designer’s area of expertise. The major goal of engaging upstream from the traditional designer’s role is to shift the focus of “green” design from a battle over cost to a strategic conversation about value. By collaborating with our clients and reframing projects in this way, we find that many roadblocks simply disappear. Rather than fight with every little element of the status quo, we try to change the context so that the status quo no longer holds sway. Green design can often perform well on the cost side of the equation, but adding value is the most effective strategy for green designers.


Transitional: Firebelly Design Chicago



"Firebelly is a super-talented team of patient listeners, genius problem solvers and forward thinking designers"

"We’re tenacious about creating meaningful design, developing sustainable strategies and combining both to change the world.

Our expertise is in Authenticity + Sustainability. Firebelly believes in honest storytelling and genuine experiences—the sincere things that simply can’t be faked or forced. Creating sustainable design and developing successful long-term strategies means we consider more than the present needs of our clients: we strive to be future-proof and considerate of our global impact.

Whether in print, online or in motion" href="http://firebellydesign.com/capabilities/integrated">motion, we connect people in meaningful ways, produce tangible results and deliver more than our clients expect."

...I think that says it all really.

The company is based in Chicago and it is another outstanding studio who believe in the same things that I believe in. I have little to no knowledge of the political and economic situations in Chicago but I am pretty certain that the relation design industry and the environment are the same. and my analysis of the 'beam' studio could also be applied to this design studio.



250 statement ( parts taken from my analysis)


BEAM is a Graphic design consultancy based in London who pride themselves in their design and their environmental commitment. When I first came across this company, I thought that this is the kind of place I would really like to work. They seem to know what they are talking about and really do care about the environment. Their commitment is shown through their company's website. They comply with all relevant environmental legislation and codes of practice and keep themselves up to date with environmental news. Another reason why I was really interested in this company is that they also produce a lot of publications. In this econimic crisis, one of The problem with sustainable design is that many clients still believe this to be a more expensive option and some may be out off. On the other hand, more and more people are becoming more aware of the impact their companies may have on the environment and therefore are becoming more environmentally responsible. Clients who need something branded or designed have their own clients and if they can say that their company is 'green' then that provides them with an extra 'point' for loving the environment which will boost their financial situation. Technology has evolved so much that its becoming cheaper for a designer to be sustainable. With the government becoming more and more supportive of solving these environmental challenges, designers , who are seen as one of the largest contributors to global warming and 'ruining' the environment, I think it is important for one to take responsibility.

In order to get their attention, I must show them that I, as a graduating Graphic Designer am really committed to becoming a part of something that has such high values. Part of the reason why I chose this company is also because of the actual style and aesthetics of their design. But, in their choice of designer who they would want to employ. As well as showing them a portfolio that meets their standards I would also want to show what I can bring to the company that will benefit them. I would have had little experience in the design industry , so perhaps a fresh perspective on design and designing for sustainability. they work in across a wide range of media, I am bound to please them in one of them and this is what i intend to do. Specialize and gain skills that others may not have: knowledge in sustainability and design eg. green technology.

Enterprise Task 1: Who am i? Who are they ?

Notes





The 4 P's.

the product- the work that is produced, in this case, published would depend on both my creative in put and my design skills such as my typography skills and my knowledge of the how publishing houses work. The product would be either magazines, books, newspapers, journals and other publications.

The price- depending on the number of prints runs, type of publications, clients etc.

The place-

Promotion-


The client group ( who are looking for creative talent) that I have chosen is the publication houses and (sustainable Graphic Design studios who are involved with publication) One of the main areas of Graphic Design I am interested in is publishing, more specifically, typography, editorial design and layout design. But I am also very concerned about keeping my design practice sustainable. Therefore the main groups would be publication houses (magazine and book publishers) with in house Graphic Designers with an interest in sustainable design. The skills that I have that will relate to the needs of my client group are the basic typographic and lay out skills that I have recently gained. I can fluently use Indesign which is one of the main softwares used in layout design. I also have basic knowledge about printers and the printing process. However, there are skills that I still need to develop to better myself in this particular field. I definitely need to develop more type skills which I will get to do in this type module after christmas. I need to look at more magazines and other interesting editorial design to gain knowledge of the current trends. I would also like to learn more about the print processes, more specifically, ones used to print books, magazines and newspapers.

My creative and professional aim is to be able to produce work at the highest standards possible and I would like to gain skills that will differentiate me from all the other competing Graphic Designers. As mentioned I'm also very interested in sustainable Graphic design and I would very much like to work for clients who also have the same values as me.