Pet Portraits

A little bit cheesy - but for some Christmas presents I decided to make some Illustrated Pet Portraits that have an illustrative quality to them that could be displayed around the home. I was really happy with the way these came out, and felt that I really captured the likeness of the animal. To create them I used custom brushes on photoshop to give that abstract illustrative quality to the images. I think they look quite elegant with a minimal composition and will look really effective once printed professionally and signed and framed. 

John Lewis Christmas Advert (Not Impressed)

As I'm recently developing a curiosity into the world of advertising, I'm trying to be alot more critical of the advertisements I see on a day to day basis. With it being christmas now aswell, this is the time of year that advertisements are crucial to the success of a business of the christmas period. 

Like many others at this time of year, I was highly anticipating the debut of the John Lewis christmas advert 2016 - and like many others (i'm sure), I was pretty disappointed. I feel that as a student who is interested in advertising, I look up to John Lewis for their usually impressive and innovative advertising campaigns. 

Unsure if or not they really couldn't think of anything else, or they're just losing their touch, I thought that this years advert wasn't special or conceptually interesting in anyway, in comparison to previous years, and just almost seemed a bit lazy? I just didn't get the heartwarming festive feel that I usually get from watching it. 

The way that the advert was based around a trampoline seemed a bit silly/random also? (who buys a trampoline in winter?!) I loosely understand the concept, but to me it just seemed a bit forced. Maybe they were hoping to boost the sales of trampolines this year, based on their success with telescopes last year, which is a bit heartbreaking considering they are usually trying to promote other festive messages about christmas, that aren't entirely materialistic or commercialized. 

Maybe it will grow on me eventually, but on seeing it for the first time, I don't really look forward to watching it again. 

Best bet as an Illustrator is Freelance?

It is becoming increasingly clear to me that how I originally thought an illustrator would work in-house in an advertising agency, was completely wrong - My understanding of how work is commissioned has developed, and I now understand the process and role of agencies within this field of work. (I really don't know how I've got this far by only just realising this, I feel like an idiot)

Working freelance is never something that I'd thought about and quite honestly never wanted to - I'm really unsure as to if i'm driven enough to make it as a freelance artist? Also the uncertainty of a steady flow of work is really unsettling to me (as i'm sure it is to everyone else) but this wasn't really what I had in mind and I really do not have enough confidence in myself/work to make it alone...

Tang Yau Hoong

It was this image that originally caught my eye, mainly because of it's bold use of colour, however on closer inspection, the illustrative quality is also really appealing. I love that quality of looking like a basic shape illustration from afar, but with small subtle details when you look at it closely, something I'd like to aim to include in my own work.

From looking at Hoong's website, it is clear that he uses alot of visual metaphors in his work to communicate a message. This image is about overcoming alcohol addiction, which I think could be pretty explanatory from looking at it, an aspect I think I should aim for more in my work, in order to communicate. I think that the subtle use of texture and lighting is also really effective, and adds an atmosphere to the narrative in the image. 

John Lewis - Tiny Dancer Advert

D&AD recently released a case study on the John Lewis home insurance advert, which I found through linkedin. 

It describes the processes that happened when creating the ad, and how Adam&EveDDB (The advertising agency who creates alot of John Lewis' adverts) interacted with John Lewis to create the advert

Firstly, watching the advert, I think it's an amazing piece of advertising, consistent with John Lewis' reputation for innovative and effective advertisements. The way it is filmed in order to create an element of slight suspense/worry, through a light hearted and funny way is so effective, especially for the subject matter of home insurance. 

I think this advert is an effective example of how a solution can be crafted with the right amount of time and thought. It seems that John Lewis have a consistent way of conveying their brand morals, often through light hearted, heartwarming and relatable situations. 

http://www.dandad.org/en/d-ad-case-study-john-lewis-tiny-dancer/

Mccann Manchester

After my previous trip home to visit my family (first time in 4 months - oops), I received some information about a possible work experience opportunity. In the summer my parents attended a wedding, where they were seated next to the production director for Mccann Manchester Advertising Agency - where they managed to get a good word in for me and I was able to get his contact details.

I sent him an email recently, outlining who I am etc, enquiring about the possibility of some work experience, and actually managed to speak to him directly on the phone - I wouldn't be able to get any experience as an Illustrator as they work with illustrators on on a commissioning basis. 

Since speaking to him, I have taken the oppurtunity to really find out everything about the company I could, so that I appear alot more professional when the oppurtunity finally arises.  

- Mccann Manchester is a branch off of the Worldwide advertising company Mccann Erickson.

- They have done work for Aldi (currently), Unilever, Crabbies, to name but a few. 

- Within mccann's values, there is alot of emphasis on transforming brands and businesses, through effective marketing solutions. Making the brand think differently about themselves and act differently.

- They employ a "right first time" philosophy to save their clients time and money.  

- Innovation is key.

- The different sectors within the company:

Data + Analytics

Strategy + Insight

Digital Media

Creative

Innovation + NPD (New product design)

Conversion Rate Optimisation

Video Editing + CGI

PR + Social Media

Studio + Production

Digital Design + Build

Content Marketing

- Also they are located in a huge country house in Prestbury, Cheshire, (which looks amazing)

QUESTIONS

(decided it would be a good idea to keep a list of questions to ask, to gain a better understanding of the advertising industry)

- How many projects on the go at the same time?

- What would an average day consist of?

- Is there any kind of crossover between different sectors within the company?

(will probably think of more)

Travelling Man, Poster Design

 

For the print display at Travelling Man comic store, I didn't particularly want to submit any work towards the show, however still wanted to get involved and improve my practice; so I worked on the PR, making some posters to be displayed around the shop, mainly describing what the work was, and how much it would be to buy. I originally set out to make promotional posters to go around uni to promote the show, however I was told it was too late to start promoting with only 2 days before the show opened. 

Considering I only had a few hours to turn this poster around, I am quite happy with it, but looking back I think the typeface is a bit ugly. However I think that the colours used link directly to the theme of fan art and comic books. I'm glad I was able to get involved and make this because I feel that it makes the show look a bit more formalised and professional, presenting the work in the way it deserves, and also gave me a chance to get a bit of experience in designing (even if it's not the nicest poster I've ever made).