Sunday, 21 November 2010

What is Graphic Design? Mark Howe

We were fortunate to be invited to a visiting professional talk Illustrator and photographer, Mark Howe.  He was initially a Graphic Designer for Iris in Sheffield but has gone on to be a free lance Illustrator and more recently is also a photographer.

Mark Howe - The illustrator

Mark Howe - The photographer

I really like the sense of humour in his work and now I have met him I can see this is a natural extension of his personality.






He gave us some excellent advise and tips base on his own experience.  This is a summary

  • Love constructive criticism -  to give your colleagues an opening to provide feedback ask " How could I improve this?" instead of do you like it?
  • Work on your skills not just your ideas
  • Read the text don't just look at the pictures
  • Carry a camera and notepad every where
  • Collect, reference and organise ideas and material
  • Figure out WHY you like things
  • Draw /paint / make things more
  • Widen your input - Don't just look at Graphic design..
  • Improve your presentations skills
He then let us in on his own 'process' when getting briefs.
  • The brief - Understand. listen to client carefully.  Don't give your initial ideas away too soon. Really think about what questions to ask
  • Redefine the brief - Understand what the client REALLY needs
  • Research - write down what you know before you start researching.  You get 'the common' knowledge.
  • Reference/possible directions -  Look at the competition, similar campaigns, similar markets to either discount or try similar.
  • Formulate ideas - Different options
  • Chose the route
  • Test and evaluate
  • Rework/revise
  • Reflect & Learn.
He also gave is some tips on leaving Uni.
  • Get involved -  To stand out get the real live projects in your portfolio
  • Collaborate
  • Get your work online
  • Printed portfolio
  • Talk to people - network
  • Memorable Card/sample to leave behind
  • Ask for placements/projects
  • Keep a log of contacts and dates and replies
  • Always personalise correspondence/emails
Follow up

BRAHM
Iris
Music

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