Brief 12 - Meeting

Today we had a meeting to move forward with our concept and start working on the posters and other design work that we want to do.

We decided on a definite concept, using a jigsaw as inspiration - putting together the pieces. This references the idea of each city being individual, and that putting them together creates a strength, unity and clarity.

The logo links to this strongly as it is four coloured arrows weaved together. However we did agree that Ewans version of the logo was possibly stronger in the link as it was a bit more obviously weaved with twice the amount of lines.

He had also created two possible patterns which could be used, which is something we are strongly considering using in the branding as it can be used both subtly and prominently.

Posters

We discussed our initial thoughts for the posters, and liked the idea of having the four of them aesthetically connected and flowing. The main idea we had was that of having 'capital north' written over the edges so the posters would piece together to show the text fully.

The thing that we are having difficulty with is the actual written content. Creating consistent and strong content across all posters is hard as we don't know what to make the focus.

We all tried variations of the fitting together the posters and quickly agreed that it wasn't working as well as we'd hoped so another direction was needed.

We spoke about the content and looked over the brief again to discuss the points raised in it. I suggested that we keep the content simple, connected and easy to understand across all of the posters.

It was at this point that we discussed the aesthetics we wanted to use across the posters, deciding that the main aspect we wanted to use was the connection of them and how each poster can work on their own, but be put together to create the bigger picture - linking to the concept and idea of a jigsaw.

We decided on the idea of a landscape, so we would create illustrations for each city - making it individual to each city - and then the whole image would be made up of all the illustrations to show the unity. These would be lined up as the way they go across he country - Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Hull.

For each city we decided on a topic. While these wouldn't necessarily be linked specifically to that city, as they are general points they definitely can be - and when all the posters are together it shows the main benefits of Capital North.

Chosen Topics:

• Travel
• Innovation
• Opportunities
• Culture

To keep a simple execution of these, we looked into words that were similar - such as 'experience' and 'enjoy' etc. We wanted a different word for each.

We decided on the following:

• Experience Travel
• Discover Innovation
• Unearth Opportunities
• Explore Culture

Initial mocked up idea:

I quite like the way this is going, however it obviously needs work and we won't get a full visual until the illustrations are done.

Following this we discussed the other collateral that we wanted to do. We previously decided on 'Train Livery' and 'Environmental'. We have agreed that these are still the ones best fitting to our concept.

We then split off the sections for us each to progress with individually. Sam and Ewan will create the illustrations, poster ideas and possible train livery. Ant will do way finding around the city, staff uniforms and work on creating an animated logo design.

My job is to create the way finding/livery for a train station. With this I already have a few initial ideas in platform posters and general designs to go around the station.

Brief 12 - Project Rationale

This brief is a collaboration to create an identity for the Northern Powerhouse ‘Capital North’.

The concept is to show the unity between the four cities and how this unity strengthens each individual city, as well as the four of them together as an entity. Each city will be treated as individual, showing that each city has its own importance and place, and that it gives something to the combining of the four cities. Showing this importance and individuality shows that each city is as important as the other three and is fundamental in the creation of this Northern Powerhouse.

Building on this, the idea of a jigsaw is an influence in how the pieces come together to create the picture - linking to the idea of the four cities come together to create the bigger picture and create something that is clear and stronger as one.

Brief 7 - Exhibition Book

Building on the printed collateral I have developed, I decided on creating one of the exhibition books as I think this would be a good addition to include in the submission as it shows I have looked further into the overall appearance of the convention in its editorial pieces.

As the Ralph McQuarrie exhibition is the main exhibition, I decided on creating the book for this. I went about collecting information and a number of high quality images of his work, getting as much information about each as possible. I also found a number of quotes from McQuarrie or about McQuarrie from others as this is something I think is important to include as it shows the true impact McQuarrie and his work made.

I wanted the book to be mainly pictorial, but have a brief look into his life and how his work developed, showing the variety of work he was involved with, from Star Trek to Raiders of the Lost Ark.

I had a very clear idea of what I wanted to do for the front cover with a grid of imagery with the title in the middle. This is to create a bit more of an eye-catching cover and show off the variety of work that McQuarrie has done.

I started by grinding up a page, and found that when I did a 7x4 grid, the logo fits pretty much perfectly into the space of one rectangle which is good because I previously didn't have a place for it to be put on the front.

I wanted the layout of this booklet to be different from the layouts of the print collateral up to this point, so it would have its own individuality. The idea is that each exhibition would have its own publication and they would all follow the same layout style as this one, which is a bit more relaxed and creative.

Layouts:

I found it quite challenging to find a good variety of work by McQuarrie at decent print quality sizes, however I did find enough to fill the publication. I have included a variety of work from different projects, as well as a variety in media, with some initial sketches to finished conceptual paintings.

Publication

Overall I am really happy with the outcome of this publication. While there is little information, the imagery works really well and I think the individual layout of each page makes an interesting visual and read. I also think the variety of imagery works well within the publication, and would be a realistic vision of the types of work which would be included in the exhibition itself.

Brief 7 - Collateral Development

Following the collateral research and initial poster design, I started by creating an A5 leaflet which followed the same design as the poster. I also created a back for this leaflet, giving a brief look into some of the events available at the convention. Overall I keep the design very simple, deciding to follow the text style of the front and having the text all left aligned.

This left aligned text is something I wanted to use across all the collateral as it is something that can be clearly consistent across everything, so that when the imagery or layout changes, this alignment stays the same to give the same kind of appearance.

The second piece of collateral I decided on starting was the convention programme as this contains all the content and will give me a much better idea of the convention when everything has its own time slot and day.

I wanted to create a consistent approach to the front covers of all collateral in terms of the content. I decided that the placing of the heading would be in the same place on all, with the logos changing places depending on the imagery that is being used. 

I like the placement of the text and will keep this consistent across all collateral I think. I think it works well with the space above it and is a bit different from just having it in one of the corners. I was initially unsure about the use of the date underneath as it isn't necessarily needed, however I think the smaller text works well against the larger text and gives the text a bit more of a solid placement instead of looking like it is just placed there randomly, as it did without the smaller text.

I then started on the inside of the programme. As it is a variety of events in hourly sections throughout the day, this needs to be communicated in a very clear and obvious way for ease of reading.

Not including the front cover there are three pages, so I decided on splitting it down to the three separate sections - Saturday, Sunday & All-day events & other - each with their own page. The Saturday and Sunday pages will follow the same design, while the All-day events won't need timings, rather just a list.

Following the success of the leaflet, I followed the same design in having white text on black. I think that this works incredibly well and integrates with the front covers/space imagery well.

I moved forward with a very simple layout with the times on the left and a list for each hour sections - separated with a line. The back page also followed this format, with large headings instead of times.

Overall I am happy with the design and think that it is simple and easy to read and works well as a document on its own.

Following this I decided to create an Event Planner. This is a sectioned piece of card where the holder is able to write down an hour by hour plan for their weekend.

I started with the back cover for this, following the same format as the Programme. Due to the imagery, I moved the logo up to the top right hand corner, and decided on using the coloured variation.

I kept the inside very similar to the programme interior in the layout of the times. Obviously these can't be full black as the holder will be writing, so white boxes have been implemented so there is black there to be consistent with the back cover, and there is an area to write without compromising the design.

The design is simple and is self explanatory for the user, which is what is important. 

I then moved onto creating the tickets for the event. Overall I wanted these to follow the same format with the imagery and white text. I decided on each day having its own imagery to make things a bit more visually interesting.

The idea is that the right hand section will be perforated, so when entering the event this will be torn away, with the holder keeping the left hand side.

Following this I moved onto creating some simple flyers for each of the four exhibitions available for viewing at the convention. I followed the same design for all four of them to keep them consistent, with the image being the main focus and the text down in the bottom left corner.

Overall I am pleased with the progress I have made up to this point with the collateral. I feel that it is all consistent and works well together and as individual pieces. I need to continue with this consistency across the other pieces of collateral.

Brief 7 - Convention Content & Plans

To start the development for the collateral, the first thing I need to do is collect together the content needed. As it is a convention, I need to collect together a list of tv shows, films etc. which I would like to be featured, and what really put across a true passion for the sci-fi genre.

Initial Content Thoughts

My initial thoughts are to create lists of important sci-fi films/shows, as well as ones which Syfy do show on their channel. Getting a mix of past and present shows/films will really enforce the idea that Syfy are true fans and appreciate the genre as a whole, not just the content that in recent.

Something that I really wanted to be sure on was that it would be sci-fi only, not including superheroes or fantasy. Obviously there are cross overs in some content, but I don't want the focus to be on superheroes or comic books. I want it to be on the true sci-fi content, with the likes of Star Wars and The Matrix, not Marvel or DC Comics.

Sci-fi Films

• Star Wars
• Star Trek
• Terminator
• E.T
• The Matrix
• 2001: A Space Odyssey
• Blade Runner
• Alien

Sci-fi TV Shows

• Extant
• Defiance
• Firefly
• Stargate
• Star Trek
• Doctor Who
• Fringe
• Battlestar Galactica

Following these lists, I researched more into films/tv shows which are currently happening, as well as ones which are iconic and shouldn't be missed.

As well as this, after getting a bit of feedback on the content, it was suggested that I could also include video games as well as this is such a large industry with a huge amount of sci-fi games etc. I definitely think this is a good idea as it adds another aspect to the convention and can make it much more engaging for those who go.

Full Content List

Sci-fi Films

• Star Wars - Past franchise + New film coming out soon
• Star Trek - Past & present franchise + TV show
• Terminator - Past franchise + New film coming out soon
• E.T
• Back To The Future
• The Matrix
• Alien - Franchise + New film just announced
• 2001: A Space Odyssey
• District 9
• Blade Runner
• Gravity
• Interstellar

Tv Shows

• Firefly - Cult classic + fan favourite
• Stargate - Large, popular franchise
• The X-Files
• Quantum Leap
• Battlestar Galactica
• 12 Monkeys
• Doctor Who
• Orphan Black
• Continuum
• Defiance
• Extant
• Falling Skies
• Under The Dome
• Ascension
• The 100
• Haven

Video Games

• Halo
• Destiny
• Mass Effect
• Alien
• Crysis
• Bioshock
• No Man's Sky
• Elite: Dangerous

Programme plan

With this content now chosen, it is a case of deciding on the different events which can be happening throughout the course of the convention. There needs to be a level of engagement for the audience, so having some forms of entertainment which are interactive will definitely be needed.

Event List

• Cast Panels
• Exclusive Previews
• Behind The Scenes
• Spotlight - Q&A/focus with an individual
• Signings
• Fan Voted - Fan voted favourite episodes/films viewings
• Live gaming - a permanent set up where people are able to play video games
• Live workshops - running constantly throughout the days
• Exhibitions
• Stalls

Exhibitions

The Exhibitions are something which can be open throughout the day and are there for the audience to go to between their selected events etc. These are also another way to show off content from the lists above which wouldn't be included in the events above.

Ideas

• Most Iconic Sci-fi Moments
• Artist Original Artwork
• Props, Costumes & Effects
• Greatest Sci-fi Villains

While researching the content for 'Artist Original Artwork', I came across the work of Ralph McQuarrie - a concept artist/illustrator who worked on sci-fi films such as Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, E.T and Star Trek.

Looking over his work, it became obvious that Star Wars looks the way it does because of his conceptual art - which they are now using to create the imagery for the newest film. With this, and the fact that he's done a lot of work for the really popular sci-fi films, instead of having an exhibition dedicated to a lot of artists work, I decided to just narrow this down to just McQuarrie.

Live Workshops

These workshops are quite popular to have at conventions such as ComicCon, so including these will be something good for the convention. The idea is that these will run hour long or half an hour long slots all day throughout the two days, in their own rooms, and will be bookable before and at the convention.

Ideas

• CGI Effects
• Artwork Creation
• Storyboard Creation
• Creating A Story
• From Paper to Screen

Fan Voted

The idea of this is that before the convention, a vote will be held on the Syfy website in which users can choose heir favourite episodes of shows, their favourite films, moments etc. with the idea that the ones that win will be shown throughout the convention.

With all of this content I have decided on creating the following printed material.

Print Collateral

• Event Programme - A small booklet with times for all events
• Event Planner - A card that allows visitors to plan their day
• Event Guide - A small booklet outlining each of the events, their times & content
• Tickets - Tickets for entry
• VIP Pass - VIP tickets for entry
• A5 Leaflet - A promotional leaflet, outlining some of the events & content
• A3/2 Poster - A promotional poster, promoting the convention
• Exhibition cards - Promotional leaflets for each of the exhibitions
• Exhibition booklets - Small booklets to show content of exhibition
• Competition form - A free form each visitor gets to win a VIP ticket/prize etc.
• Convention Book - A souvenir book which can be bought by visitors

Realistic Approach

In reality, I don't have much time until the YCN Deadline, and I learnt that last year, something to consider is to make it look like the content is created, and not actually create it. While I obviously want to do as much as I possibly can, I do realise that I will have to work very quickly and efficiently on it to get everything done that I want to. With this in mind, I will create one piece from each of the collateral, and if there is time, I will create the rest.

In regards to the convention book, I don't imagine I will get enough time to do this well as these are usually quite large and have a lot of content. I think that for this, I will make a front cover, and use it in photographs when it gets to that point, and propose layouts and content for this. If there is time, I would like to create it, but I think there's a lot of other stuff that needs to be done instead right now.

Brief 7 - Imagery

Working off the concept and what I have already done in initial designs, I researched into the moon landing more and got a few high quality images. This is because I don't want to use just the same image over and over again as this will get repetitive and boring. I also like the idea of the collateral each having it's own identity with its own image, or at least having a few different variations in there to work with.

Found Images:

As well as these astronaut images, I also decided to continue to use the starry sky image as I think it worked really well and stopped the excessive use of black, lightening up the images more and linking more to the sci-fi genre. I edited it in Photoshop to fit wha I would need it to, which meant getting rid of the hills at the bottom and removing the shooting star. I found that this shooting star didn't work so well before and was quite distracting.

Using the initial poster as a guide, I decided on that all imagery should be black and white with the purple gradient over the top. This keeps everything consistent and I know it works well on this sort of imagery.

Brief 12 - Meeting

Today we had a short meeting to see how we had progressed with this brief.

Ewan had come up with a slightly different colour scheme to that which I had done in the logo design, and we all agreed that it worked better including a dark blue instead of a purple.

We also changed the type to bold, with the idea that light type would be used underneath when naming the four cities.

The colours:

Navy Blue - Liverpool

Red - Manchester

Turquoise - Leeds

Gold - Hull

Happy with the logo, we started to discuss our initial poster ideas. This is something which we to keep consistent in the design, but different in the content. With this, we decided on each looking up the bad things about each of the cities and would use the posters to comment on how these would improve in the creation of Capital North - focussing on the positive side of it rather than the negative.

For example, if one city had a higher unemployment rate, we would say that with Capital North, employment would increase.

We also agreed on creating some poster variations in terms of the design. We wanted a consistent design, which was simple with imagery and text, and included the colour related to the city.