Print portfolio advice...

[Lau]

Gav mate - you're a star! I was thinking of carrying the box in a kind of grey felt bag with handles, and after looking at a Nano box again- I've had a rethink - the inside can be a wood effect box a bit like the nano box with a kind of thick lid, and thick sides and then the slip case can be the grey felt bag. See scrappy drawings attached. I've got some sort of triple thickness bookbinding board for the thick bits.

Thanks for your help, I totally owe you a pint.

 

[iGav]

with a kind of thick lid, and thick sides

Exactly along the lines that I was thinking. it would give the box more substance, make it feel more substantial, whilst still being simple.

I like the idea of the fabric, though I'm not sure about felt...hmmm. I've got a particular type of fabric in my head, but I can't for the life of me think of it's name... very tactile though.

I also think that a simple fabric outer sleeve like the iPod box (or G-Shock watch boxes) is a more suitable solution than a bag.

 

[Lau]

I like the idea of the fabric, though I'm not sure about felt...hmmm. I've got a particular type of fabric in my head, but I can't for the life of me think of it's name... very tactile though.

Velvet?

I also think that a simple fabric outer sleeve like the iPod box (or G-Shock watch boxes) is a more suitable solution than a bag.

The only reason I thought a simple bag would be good would be that it would then have handles. I was thinking of a really tight-fitting sleeve that then rose up in a kind of bubble and had two circles cut out of it to make handles, all very simple. It probably would be small enough to carry under even my stumpy arms though, and I definitely see your point about the sleeve.

The only good thing about felt (the stuff I got a while ago was kind of mottled grey tweedy stuff) is that it doesn't fray so there wouldn't be any messy seams around the raw edge, it would just fit perfectly.

 

[iGav]

Velvet?

Absolutely... get yourself some shank buttons too, perfect for that boudoir button back look. heh.

The only reason I thought a simple bag would be good would be that it would then have handles. I was thinking of a really tight-fitting sleeve that then rose up in a kind of bubble and had two circles cut out of it to make handles, all very simple. It probably would be small enough to carry under even my stumpy arms though, and I definitely see your point about the sleeve.

The only... not issue, concern I would have about the bag is that of the connotations it may have, think of a gift bag for example. A bag is something that is rarely associated, or considered relevant or part of what's inside it, a disposable item... of little relevance or worth.

The only good thing about felt (the stuff I got a while ago was kind of mottled grey tweedy stuff) is that it doesn't fray so there wouldn't be any messy seams around the raw edge, it would just fit perfectly.

It does depend on the felt I suppose, for some reason when I think of felt, I always think of the cheap stuff that you cut up with those coloured plastic handled scissors, and glue sequins onto in primary school.

Though... that said... do you have, or have access to an overlocker? seams wouldn't be a problem then.

Anyway... hark at us... can't you just tell we both actually wanted to be product designers really. heheh.

 

[Lau]

The only... not issue, concern I would have about the bag is that of the connotations it may have, think of a gift bag for example. A bag is something that is rarely associated, or considered relevant or part of what's inside it, a disposable item... of little relevance or worth.

Good point. I'll have a go and see what looks better, but I'll definitely bear it in mind. Maybe when I've finished the work and see how big this needs to be will help me decide - if it's A4 sized, the handles may well be overkill anyway.

It does depend on the felt I suppose, for some reason when I think of felt, I always think of the cheap stuff that you cut up with those coloured plastic handled scissors, and glue sequins onto in primary school.

Though... that said... do you have, or have access to an overlocker? seams wouldn't be a problem then.

I can assure you it's not that kind of felt! I think I could use an overlocker at college, but I may well be beaten up by the fashion and textile students for usuing it in the last week of college! I'll make enquiries tomorrow.

Anyway... hark at us... can't you just tell we both actually wanted to be product designers really. heheh.

I did very nearly do product design as well. But then we've got it good - graphic design, with the added fun of doing product designy things on occasion.

 

[iGav]

Good point. I'll have a go and see what looks better, but I'll definitely bear it in mind. Maybe when I've finished the work and see how big this needs to be will help me decide - if it's A4 sized, the handles may well be overkill anyway.

I'd go with doing a comparison... the bag might just come across as a trifle twee, I'm just trying to put myself in the position of marking your work and I'm not sure if I'd automatically associate a bag, with the work inside it, more likely just thinking it's something that the work was put in to keep it together for submission.

Do mock up's of both, and post pictures. That's your task today Lau... chop, chop.

I did very nearly do product design as well. But then we've got it good - graphic design, with the added fun of doing product designy things on occasion.

I'm working on some product design stuff at the moment.

It's not that I regret what I do now, because I don't... I love it. But were I given the opportunity to start over, I've have chosen Product Design.

That said, there's nothing stopping me moving in that direction... of which I currently am.

Also I just can't imagine being in interaction and motion design in my 50's. heh.

 

[Moshiiii]

Lau, I was browsing through you're portfolio. Neat stuff! Is the Bruce Mau poster you're work (or just an example)? I saw this poster published in a Design book I just finished reading.

 

[beatle888]

Speaking from the viewpoint of an ex-design lecturer, the way in which my students submitted their work was intrinsically less important than the quality of the work itself.

not the case when going to an interview at an agency. its all about image. and it should be. thats what advertisings about.

 

[Lau]

Do mock up's of both, and post pictures. That's your task today Lau... chop, chop.

Yessir! Well, I'll do it later in the week when I've printed and bound the stuff that's going in it.

Also I just can't imagine being in interaction and motion design in my 50's. heh.

Don't worry, you'll be seen as really old skool by then, cause you don't do holographic interactive virtual reality.

Lau, I was browsing through you're portfolio. Neat stuff! Is the Bruce Mau poster you're work (or just an example)? I saw this poster published in a Design book I just finished reading.

The quote isn't mine, as it's from Bruce Mau's Incomplete Manifesto, but I bloody well hope the poster isn't in a design book, cause it's my design, taken from my photos! Do you have a copy you could scan in? I'm intrigued now, and a little worried!

 

[iGav]

not the case when going to an interview at an agency.

But you have to remember that the requirements for submitting work to be graded, and presenting your book at an agency are vastly different.

its all about image. and it should be. thats what advertisings about.

No, no and no.

 

[iGav]

The quote isn't mine, as it's from Bruce Mau's Incomplete Manifesto, but I bloody well hope the poster isn't in a design book, cause it's my design, taken from my photos! Do you have a copy you could scan in? I'm intrigued now, and a little worried!

I bet it's not the same... though having just looked at your poster it really reminds me of something, though I think it's more down to the perspective copy as opposed to anything else.

I just can't remember what.

Though it'd be something if it was your poster though... heheh.

 

[Lau]

I bet it's not the same... though having just looked at your poster it really reminds me of something, though I think it's more down to the perspective copy as opposed to anything else.

I just can't remember what.

Though it'd be something if it was your poster though... heheh.

Heh - I know. I very much doubt someone's even seen my poster, certainly not got it into a design book! But it would be good to see the similarity, just in case when I hand it in it looks as if I've copied something.

 

[usclaneyj]

It's a difficult balance, personally I dislike work that is mounted... especially when interviewing people, it's an unnatural environment for most printed design pieces, I like to get my grubby mitts on the work, actually look, touch and feel to gain an idea of how the design works in its natural enviroment. Frequently, work that looks great all mounted up, doesn't stand up when it's trying to serve its purpose.

that's a great point, and i completely understand your p.o.v.

i just feel that it's very important to convey that you are detail-oriented to the umpteenth degree when it comes time to show your work. so, if you're the type that mounts, then make sure it looks good.

 

[iGav]

Heh - I know. I very much doubt someone's even seen my poster, certainly not got it into a design book! But it would be good to see the similarity, just in case when I hand it in it looks as if I've copied something.

I'm pretty certain I know the poster he's referring too... I just can't remember for who or what it's about. Or indeed where I've seen it, at first I was thinking that dixonbaxi might have done it (they've changed the work on their site so I can't be sure) but now I'm thinking I either saw it in Creative Review or Graphics International/Grafik magazine... I'll have a tommy gander and I'll report back.

 

[Moshiiii]

Tomarow when I get home I'll check the book I'm speaking of. Also give you a scan of the picture.

 

[Lau]

Thanks Gav and Moshiiii. This has turned into the great Lau detective thread!

 

[iGav]

I've just spent the whole morning go through about 50 Creative Reviews, and about 30 Graphics Internationals and Grafik magazines. Nothing.

Now that's flummoxed me.

 

[Lau]

I've just spent the whole morning go through about 50 Creative Reviews, and about 30 Graphics Internationals and Grafik magazines. Nothing.

Now that's flummoxed me.

Thanks anyway, though, Gav. I really appreciate the effort.

 

[Moshiiii]

Strange.. I looked through the book with no luck of locating you're poster. I guess I was mistaken. Just that the poster seemed so familiar to me (everything else in you're portfolio was new to me) and I've had my head stuck inside this book for the past two week. Oh well, great portfolio and I also love the book "Ten things you don't want to know about me". Do you have any additional photos of pages inside the book?

 

[Lau]

Well, that was lucky that I used the power of my mind to blank that page on your magazines, Gav, and your book, Moshiiii...

Isn't that strange? I wonder if you were both thinking of the same poster, as well.

Moshiiii, I've sent you a PM. (Although any red book requests will have to be honoured after the degree! - I've been meaning to send one to another member for a while as well).

 

[iGav]

Right then Lau... after spending the day searching through all of my stuff, I moochy'd on to the Wayback Machine as I was more inclined to believe it was either Dixonbaxi or A Practice For Everday Life, the latter turned up nothing similar, the former seems to ring a bell in 2 pieces of work for the London College of Communication, but I think from seeing yours... I was juxtaposing the 3D plane copy of one, and the scratchy qualities of the other in my head into something reminiscent of your poster. I can't find a bigger image though.

How's the box/bag/thingy coming along anyhow?

And..

Are you exhibiting at New Designers?

 

[Lau]

Right then Lau... after spending the day searching through all of my stuff, I moochy'd on to the Wayback Machine as I was more inclined to believe it was either Dixonbaxi or A Practice For Everday Life, the latter turned up nothing similar, the former seems to ring a bell in 2 pieces of work for the London College of Communication, but I think from seeing yours... I was juxtaposing the 3D plane copy of one, and the scratchy qualities of the other in my head into something reminiscent of your poster. I can't find a bigger image though.

Ooh, ooh, I've seen them, they're great posters. Thanks for digging them out.

How's the box/bag/thingy coming along anyhow?

It's on hold for now - final crit ever tomorrow, so am working on a magazine to get some feedback on that, and I'm going to try and get everything printed before the weekend, then I'll give it a bash.

And..

Are you exhibiting at New Designers?

No...our new head didn't think it was worth it, along with a London show, and so refused to give us any cash for it. I'm not sure how worth it it is or not, but seemed a bit of a bummer at the time. Me and some friends were going to have a flash mob exhibition around London instead. It may still happen.

 

[iGav]

It's on hold for now

Slacker...

No...our new head didn't think it was worth it, along with a London show, and so refused to give us any cash for it. I'm not sure how worth it it is or not, but seemed a bit of a bummer at the time.

That's a shame, I would've arranged to bump into you at somepoint (and claim my free pint)

Anyway... I just go to to steal ideas... that and charm the ladies with offers of work... in return for sexual favours of course. heheheheh

 

[Lau]

That's a shame, I would've arranged to bump into you at somepoint (and claim my free pint)

Anyway... I just go to to steal ideas... that and charm the ladies with offers of work... in return for sexual favours of course. heheheheh

I'm sure we can arrange bumpage and pintage without the help of an exhibition.

Anyway, sounds like you'll have your hands full at the show, yer rogue.

 

[iGav]

I'm sure we can arrange bumpage and pintage without the help of an exhibition. P[/COLOR]

Indeedy.