Exhibition Groups

I have been assigned to the Exhibition Group, compared to Graphics or Website. This means me and my team are responsible for all the publicity, getting the guest list and general organising. Sava is our team leader and after our first lesson, I believe that was a a good choice. (He is very organised and good at spreading the work over everyone.)

For next week I was asked to find out about radio publicity, think of ideas for a guest list and materials that I could gather.

CUR1350 - ANGLIA RUSKIN






















A good friend of mine does a radio show on a Sunday night called bragging rights, based in Cambridge. It is broadcast on the university radio station and has listeners from both chelmsford and Cambridge (mainly being students.) He has agreed to have myself and some team mates to come down on the show and have a guest interview and talk about the event. This will provide us to get the word to more people in the local area.

I will also be sending e-mails to the larger radio stations: Such as Heart FM, BBC ESSEX, Chelmsford Radio, Dream FM, Southend Radio, Saint FM (Maldon), Red Radio. It is highly likely that most will not respond, or want to give it a mention. But it cant hurt to send an e-mail to them asking, then if no replies are heard ringing to see if that imrpoves our chances.

Guest List... Who will be attending???
















I have started to research into companies and organisations that could be invited to the event. It makes no sense to start looking outside of chelmsford, as they are less likely to travel inside.

My Ideas at the moment (these will be discussed with the group.)









Strike Designs - Wev Design Agency (Website Design Agency.)
69 Bishop Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1PY








DesignGLondon - DesignG London Limited is a full service design agency based in Chelmsford. Serving London, Essex and the rest of the home counties, we have over 15 years experience offering the creativity and services of a London agency at competitive rates.






I have also spoken to my older brother who works for Detica, a website design group for the government and he will be attending. He might also be able to attend with some colleagues.


These are just some examples, I will be contacting many more design agencies that are based in Chelmsford over the next week and hoping for some good replies.

The Presentation Stuff

I have been working away getting some images done for the presentation. I was in charge of coming up with some concept images for the space on both themes. I also wanted to design the clothing that we could be would be wearing and try and talk about the hospitality and opening night.

IDEA 1 - THE SKETCHBOOK

The sketches that I have produced are from the images taken inside the shop. I have taken the layout and drawn the ideas talk about in the group session last week. We wanted to turn the space into a massive design studio, showing finished and work in progress. Trying to get the user to feel immersed in a working designer studio where work is being produced.

The Theme Inside
























As you can see from the image above, I have taken the space and threw a paper bomb inside. We wanted to show how a creative person works, what better to show the manic stage where ideas are flying everywhere. Everything is being sketched and jotted down on paper and then screwed up and tossed aside!!

I have drawn boards to display the work, making it appear the artist has just walked away for a brief moment. (Leaving his work in progress.) They will be surrounded by paper and overflowing bins with old sketches on. There will be paint splatters on the floor and on the walls. The bulk of the work will also be displayed om the walls with all the sketches behind it, having the main and finished piece of artwork stand out by being brighter and bolder than the rest.There is a whiteboard added to the wall, to allow the viewers to add something to the area, it will be surrounded by tasks or example drawings. As we want to try and inc-operate the interaction as much as possible, but would need to be monitored so it was kept under control.

Basically there will be creative work and sketches everywhere on the windows, on the pillars walls, floor and maybe even the ceiling. We want to turn this shop into a massive sketch book to show how we all think outside the box!!

Outside the Shop
























There are massive windows out the front of the shop and we have to make sure to display work in the front to draw people inside and get them inside to see the rest of the work and not just walk past. There is also space above the shop windows, which would be perfect for a banner with the name choice decided. We chose "The Studio" as it represents the type of setting and genre inside of an artists studio, which also reflects our work of sketches, rough and creative.

On a recent discovery when walking past, we noticed that there was a projector inside the building showing images on the window. Which would prove very handy for the work that we want to display!! Its just an option to keep in mind as we may not be able to use it when we are given the rented space.

You will also notice that the sign has text to represent the theme, its not a bog standard times new roman. It may not be the one we use but each aspect must reflect the genre and not just done on a whim.

The Main Desk or Added Desks



















If you looked at the original pictures of the shop layout there is a desk that is bolted to the floor at the end of the shop. We found a way to use this to our advantage as we cant get rid of it. Turn it into a artists work bench. Have all the things you would expect to find on a typical work desk such as pots of pens, pencils and a lamp.

But once again instead of making it a clean tidy desk really take it to the next level and mess it up, make it look like an artist has been there for a good few hours working away on sketches and work. Have some split coffee over his work and half eaten food, as well as notes for himself and his rubbish ideas that have now been cased aside into the waste bin. This could also work with other desks if they were added to the space, to show multiple scenarios.

Clothing































To match the theme we can add the artwork to our clothing, covering our tops in sketches that relate to our own work and paint splats!! I have done airbrush tops before in the past and know that they are generally very cheap to produce, all we would have to purchase is a cheap top from Primark or any retail shop for that matter. It really makes us start to look part of the exhibiton not just a loads of kids standing there (This will also help us to stand out from the crowd, if anyone has any questions.)

The CV Part!!

I have started coming up with ideas for my CV, as we had a lesson last week about how we should be going about getting one completed. As we are design students the design to me is crucial as it shows the level of designer you aim to be, if you want everything about you to look and show how good your work is.

Rough Designs
































Above is just a rough idea that I mocked up in Photoshop for the layout of the CV. I wanted it to resemble my website that is currently under development, so that all my work is tied together with the same theme. (much like the exhibition that we have been talking about.) Its a very scrappy looking sketchbook/chalkboard look. Instead of using a photo of myself I have used the cartoon version that I created (just another way to show off some of my designing skills.)



















I have also come up with an idea for the postage when sending it off to companies, many envelopes use windows to show the address well what about showing off some work in that window. When looking through the morning business post and seeing that I am sure its going to want to be opened! Once again just an idea at this stage but all key ideas I wanted to show and exsperiment with and make better for a later date.


Conclusion

It needs allot more work but the ideas are starting to come together, I want to spend a good amount of time on my CV so that it looks as impressive as it can be. You only get one shot at the impression so it better be good!!

The work I will display??

We have been asked to have a think about the work that we want to display in our exhibit, it has to be our best work that we want the public to see.

I want to choose artwork that is very different to each other, to show off as many of my skills as possible. (instead of having 3 bits that are all very similar.) I had a rough idea in my head what categories to class the work into from the start: Airbrush, Animation and Pixel/Vector based. These are my 3 main strongest areas of work that will really make me stand out and be proud to stand next to my own work.



















For my airbrush work, I have chosen to display the traffic cones that I am using for my dissertation. (Research into how objects can be changed with illustration.) I think they would stand out at the exhibition and show the creative side to me that is not linked to a computer. Also would give the audience something to laugh at and wonder what a strange boy I am....





















The Pixel based object I have chosen is the "Splat" Effect character that I created last year for a last-minute.com advertising. I created the character from scratch and really find it to be a striking and powerful illustration. It really shows my love of cartoons and shows I am able to creating something from just sketches and ideas in my head. (This design will be printed as big as I can get it, THE BIGGER THE BETTER!!)



















Last but not least is my Mario Animation, I worked excessively hard on this piece really pushing my knowledge and skills as far as they would go. It starts off with a cartoon animation that everyone knows and loves and then changes due to the song and becomes a video representation of the song. Once again it is very bright and colorful, bound to attract attention and get the audience to come closer and look. It would have to be displayed on a screen attached to a computer of some kind, which would need to be thought about in great detail at a later date.

DECODE Art Exhibiton

http://www.vam.ac.uk/microsites/decode/exhibition

To help us understand how exhibits display there work, we were asked to visit a museum and see it first hand. Originally I had planned to go with the group to the TATE modern, but we were all unable to go at the same time. I was then going to go with a friend and we started looking at different exhibitions and museums that would be appropriate to the module.





















We then stumbled upon a very new, very modern exhibition that is only on display in London for a short period of time. Called "DECODE", at the Victoria and Albert. The idea of the exhibition about mixing technology with art work seemed allot more interesting concept that just having artwork on a wall. To find you can play with the art made the whole experience sound generally more appealing.

What art is in the Exhibition?




























As soon as you walk into the exhibition you are confronted with a loads of lights sticking out into the path, which you have to walk past. As you do the lights follow you with the sound sof crickets and then start to flash, I have not been to many exhibitions but already knew this was something quite different. Giving you a real sense of being involved with the art you were looking at.

The artwork inside!!

The art is mainly displayed on screens, allowing the artwork to move (unlike usual artwork) in the way that the artist had designed. Most of the artwork is very bright and colorful that was very striking to look at, all designed on computer programs that we as students have used such as adobe flash.

The artwork itself is interactive to the user, many of the pieces use information to change the piece in one way or another. Mainly from a physical response from the user, but there were some that responded to sensors outside the museum and information from online.






















These disks were mounted on the floor and contained leaves and parts of flowers and were growing. The area around the exhibit was in total darkness with the disks having powerful back lights, you were really drawn to the work as it light up the area.










































The above examples were displayed on small screens that were mounted inside the wall, and were different types of artwork that had allot of movement and life. Being able to walk up and see it change in front of your eyes.
















































As you walk further into the exhibition the artwork becomes bigger and more user interactive, the above image and video shows loads of bound sheets that are motorized to move enabling them to change color , as you stand on the white mark on the floor your movement is captured and is then transmitted to turn the correct pieces and make up your body shape.



Ever fancied painting with your body, well this artwork allows you to use your whole body to make paint splats appear on the projection in front of you. Depending on how much you move depends on the color and shapes, it was really enjoyable to have a go!!






















Many big screens were used to display the bigger pieces of work, not just projectors. The image above shows the piece "Make Out" that shows thousands of moving images of people kissing that then changes as people walk past, making shock waves.





















I also noticed that there was a piece that was not just digital, but plays into the lighting genre. There was a table of black sand with a strong white back light underneath, as you moved the sand it allowed you to draw and create shapes that really stood out.

How is the Exhibition set up?






















The exhibition itself was very dark, there was very little lights besides the light coming from the artworks. You can see from the image above the only light source is spotlights being directed at the information boards and the light comming from the screens. You will also notice that the screens are inside the walls, this enables the area around them to be totally in darkness. This is very clever as it stops screen glare and it makes the art really stand out from its surrounding.














































Even the way the information boards have been designed to match the rest of the exhibit. The text that displays the number, is in a blocky digital computer font. Which is also used on the log design for the exhibition. As mentioned the area is light up with a spotlight so that it is easy to read, a clear font has been used and also you will notice lights. (These have been aligned in a plug format design, and depending on the different lights meant what type of artwork you were looking at.)



























You can see that white boards are used to display the projections for the different pieces. But the surrounding area is rather dark and you can see this by how the camera has stuggled to get a crisp shot. (with the low lighting conditions.) You will also notice that there is allot of room to move around, due to this low lighting there is large areas to walk around and nothing is draping on the floor. All the art is either projected on a wall, located inside the wall or in some cases on a Plymouth. (This is a key feature when they designed the space thinking about how humans would react and what would be safe to use.)

Comparison to the rest of the Museum...
As I was already at the museum, I had a look around at some of the other artwork they had on display as some more ideas on how work can be displayed.




























As you can see from the image above, where the roman statues are displayed the lighting is allot brighter. The whole room is not in darkness but brightly lit, you still can see that spotlights have been placed above each statue to help it stand out.






















































As you can see this lighting aspect is kept around the rest of the museum, there is nothing like the DECODE exhibit. All the artwork is basically hanging on the wall or is a statue in the middle of the room, which works due to the fact of the artwork being displayed and to the target audience of the artwork. (mainly being the older generation.)

Conclusion
I am really glad that I have visited the museum today, as it gave me an insight into how new style exhibitions can display there work. It was probably the best type to go and see, as it relates very close to the work that will be being displayed. They have used lighting in a fantastic way, making the digital artwork really stand out from the walls, yet the area is very clean but very very interesting. I realised when using such little light you must be careful due to safety and artwork must be then changed to enable this safety.

Also another major point I took away was that even the information boards need to be designed to match the surrounding. It brings all the work together and shows the viewer you are really devoted to your work and are a professional.

Visited the Location

I visited the location of the shop today as I was keen to see what we would be working with, also to refresh my memory of the size of the shop and its location in town etc. (Shown on map below with a blue circle.)You can see the main walking paths of the consumers (By the purple lines.) and the busiest part of highchelmer in the center, that locates the "Starbucks Coffee Stand" and seating area.























I have taken some photos to show the location and its surrounding (taken around 1pm.)

From the outside the shop looks very open, it has very large windows that allow you to see practically the entire inside of the store. This could be used to our advantage either allowing people to see all the work without having to come in or using the windows to display work (enticing people inside.) There is sufficient space above the windows to also display banners or information, also having two wide doors means it wont be cramped getting people in and out.
























Obviously there are still boxes within the shop, the last renaming bits from Christmas. But from the photo above you can see the significance of the large windows and how they allow a broad vision from both inside and out.
























The space is quite large inside, giving us allot of space to work with. There are obviously columns dotted around the shop but do not take up much space. Also you can see from the floor there is already a wooden pathway, that guides people into the shop. Once they have seen an item that they like they then walk onto the carpet to that specific area, but this will be fantastic when it comes to the exhibition. As with a little bit of work it already has a path laid out around the shop for the viewers.
























The carpet space takes up most of the shop, which would obviously be the location of the work for each student. You can notice that the walls are covered in racks for hanging hooks within the shop, these will most probably stay there and luckily they are not too offensive to the eyes and could easily be covered if necessary.
























Overall from looking at the location of the shop and the inside and contents, it presents allot of potential for our art gallery. It has allot of space and areas to walk around, the view from outside is perfect being able to see in nearly the entire shop. And also if you look at the photos there are probably about 6-10 people inside the shop, this is when it is being cleared out. From listening to people entering they mentioned it was changing and wanted to check it out. (So when the whole area is redesigned with our class work, I am confident to say that it will peak some interest.)

Just another point to make.
Upon walking past the shops near the area described there was also another shop that had been closed down with nothing inside it. It was allot smaller than the Christmas Shop but made me stop and wonder could this be the location of the Exhibition?























It is not as big as the previous shop, but still had good sized windows and doors. However due to its narrow design it would be harder to see more work from outside, you would probably only see the work that is presented near the doors.
























Inside looks to me more like an exhibition, that the previous. Mainly because it just has blank walls and a wooden floor, which is what you would expect when going to see works of art. Where as the other location does simply look like a shop and will relatively still look like a shop after the theme and work has been placed inside. It has a nicer feel to it, but the size is a real issue it is allot smaller and would struggle to fit all the work inside without being crammed and giving the viewer a headache upon entry.

Group Brainstorming

We started off by talking about the different components to creating an exhibition.

The Location of the Exhibit
Where the Exhibit will be held is a crucial part to planning, we can see the amount of public that pass the shop. How big the area is to work with, what is its current setup and what might need doing to enable it to work with our ideas. We started jotting down all the questions that needed to be asked.

• What is the size scale of the shop?
• The Shop Size?
  
• What type of public would be found at that area of town?
• How will the shop look once given to us? (Will it be covered in shelving units, would there be any fittings left.)
  
• Is there any existing advertising spaces would could use to our advantage?

Who to invite and would be entering the exhibit?
As mentioned we know that the general public will be coming in, but what type of consumers venture up to that part of town. (Old, Young, Business, Social.) We were also asked to invite V.I.P members, would they be just friends and family or Professionals in our line of work.

• Family and Friends
• Students from University or Schools
• Lecturers/Teachers
• Professionals from the Industry
• Consumers walking past

Ideas for the theme?
We were unsure what was meant for the "theme" of the exhibition, we did not understand how if we all have different styles of work they could be changed or made relative to each other. But the theme was the way the work was presented not the work itself, instead of having pieces of paper on a blank wall. (Which has been done to death) how could we make the surrounding area interesting to look at.

We came up with a host of ideas but decided on 3 major versions.

Clean and Modern: Keeping the space very simple and focusing on the the work itself, make the viewers eyes drawn to the work. This will require working with lighting in detail to highlight different pieces of work.

Scrapbook: Having the work displayed in a scrapbook fashion, making it appear that the work is not finished and is just the sketches or a designer making the work appear the be ongoing. This allows the area to be very rough and somewhat disorganised but having the main work shine through.

Used Rustic and Battered: Making the space essentially look beaten and falling apart, keeping some of the already left fixtures and adding worn and rusted materials and objects. But once again then having the work in a clean form making it stand out from the environment around it.

Overall Thoughts.....
Some ideas above can work and others cant, me personally I love the scrapbook idea and feel that was the strongest idea presented from the group. As its cost effective, but I love how it contradicts itself having finished work in an somewhat scrappy location. It makes it look personal to each artist as they can apply sketches to there areas and it will tie all the work together.

I am happy with the progress of the ideas the group has come up with, I would like to come up with some concept sketches for the ideas and see how they look. Also once I have visited a art exhibition take into account the way they have designed the area.

What to be completed next?
I want to go to the shop that will be used for the exhibition and take some pictures to see how the space looks. I have been in there in the past but never really thought about it with my artists head on. It will help to get better idea of the theme could work within the environment.

Week One

Rough Module Outline

The Exhibition module is all about having 3 pieces of our work displayed in an art gallery setting. We have been put into groups to start working out ideas for the theme of the exhibition. As we were shown in class how there is a fine art to designing the area around the art and not just the art itself.

We started brainstorming ideas in the group, thinking about how we could display the work in the environment. If anyone had seen any exhibitions and how they had presented work, what ideas could be achievable and even what ideas would be fantastic but could be restricted due to time and money.

There is also an element of PDP to the module, learing how to create business cards and set up a CV with an online portfolio. This module is very exciting as it means doing something out of our comfort zones, working with group members and essentially the whole class. We will need to put nerves behind us, having to speak to the general public that enter the exhibition and explain our work.