Project Evaluation

My work is arranged and ready for Submission! This feels strange as it is the Final Submission of my Degree and although it feels like I have been working on the same campaign for a long time, it has also gone very fast.

I feel my time management skills have been fairly competent throughout my time at University but have improved further in this project as the demands have felt more pressured (due to this being my Dissertation).

My people management skills have also improved through the collaboration with a Graphic Designer. I commissioned Andrew Cook to create some of the visual promotional methods for this campaign, as noted in earlier blog posts. This decision was taken by myself early on in the project, allowing me to research and communicate with various Designers and Companies about this Brief. Due to my skills lying within the research and development stages rather than the production of final outcomes, this collaboration enabled me to give all of the relevant research information to Andrew for him to create the outcomes with daily communication between ourselves to perfect the details.

In terms of Project Idea, I feel that the eventual outcome was for the best. At the start of the project, I went through a range of ideas (around 8) which turned out to be too limited or non-viable as a project. Due to this, I was getting worried that I was going to run short of time and not fulfil the campaign to my best ability. However, after some discussion with my Lecturer, I decided to go ahead with the final idea that I had. After this, I soon got stuck into organising my target audiences and then collecting my research.

The collation of Primary Research was fairly difficult as my campaign decision was the week before the February Half Term School Holidays. This left around 5 days to organise and undertake Interviews of Core Audience Teachers and Pupils in 3 Primary Schools. Otherwise, the research results would have been two weeks later, thus past the target/ideal time on the timetable given to us all by my Lecturer and critically delaying my campaign progression. I also sent an Online Survey to Primary Schools within the target districts of the 5 selected cities in which the Scheme would hypothetically take place. The responses of this were of an average uptake, around 20 responses and I emailed 200 Schools. I was expecting more responses, but people are busy and I am personally unknown to them.

The promotional methods that I chose to promote the campaign suited both target audiences (from their research responses and average daily timelines) and Disney as a brand. I was committed to reflecting the brand's tone and identity throughout as this is what would be wholly expected if Disney were to produce this scheme themselves.

The documenting of the research and development stages was easy for me as I am usually thorough in all that I do, recording every detail so the viewer/reader knows what is happening. The only part of development that I feel is lacking in comparison to what I usually produce is the 'step-by-step making' of the promotional items. This is wholly due to commissioning a Graphic Designer and them using their time to make the items and not usually do 'screen shots' of their progress. Such Designers and similar Professionals, create from scratch and finish at their final outcome with time to consider their decisions and visual changes rather than document them in 'screen shot' form. This has lead to me writing and blogging about the decisions more as I feel the need to 'show' the changes and progression. I do not see this as a negative but a difference and wholly due to collaborating with a person external to this experience.

I would like to feel that I have completed a 'package' of work, in terms of the elements of my submission all matching and emanating a similar aesthetic rooted from the brand and scheme's tone and core message of 'driving maths in a fun way'.

To conclude, I have enjoyed this project very much; as with all work, it has had its positive and negative times, with a few turmoils and stressful times along the way. I am pleased that I have had these times, as I would be worried that I was not working hard enough if I had not had them. I feel the project has developed me both professionally and personally, finalising this Degree to the best of my abilities.

Completion of the Research Folders

After reading through the project brief again and working through the Folders, I have completed them ready for submission.

Knowing me, I will look through them again, just to make sure there are no extra additions or alterations that I can make. I will do this extra check on Monday 21st (the submission date has been moved to Tuesday 22nd).

I have also checked through the other elements of the submission and I am content with these. Overall, I am very pleased with the work that I have produced and feel it is the best project that I have created so far. In a way, it is hard to imagine what I will do after this Submission as my life has revolved around 'Maths with Mickey' for the last 5 months... it is nerve racking to hand it over and then wait for the results!

Making a Tag for the Puzzle

Today I have printed my file dividers, stickers for each section, stickers to notify the viewer of this Time Log blog plus my Audio and Visual Research blog and started to read through the first two folders.

I feel it is important that the content runs similarly to how a Disney storybook is read.

I have also produced a Tag for the Puzzle that is a competition prize on the Pupils' Website. This Tag tells the viewer of the Puzzle's purpose on the stand in a very brief style. The design of the Tag was based on an earlier artwork development for the Poster. I ensured that I created the design using colours and imagery that have been used in the campaign to ensure the overall look of the Stand is coherent with the tone of the brand and scheme.

As an addition to the Primary Research section of Folder 2, I have burned the Primary Research Interview dialogues onto a specially designed CD and placed this inside.

A few research documents needed to be printed so I have also done this today and added them into the relevant sections of the folders.

Overall, this has been a very productive day and I am pleased with my progress. I feel confident that I will have plenty of time for last final touches before my Submission.

Research Folders

As planned yesterday, I have today transferred all of the research and development work into my new folders.

This took a while due to the amount of work, but I have planned my dividers and how I am going to present these.

I purchased my file dividers a while ago as I felt, and still do feel, that they suit the project as a whole. They are printable, so I can display the contents page of each folder professionally, while the coloured tabs are bright and bold, using colours from the campaign, reflecting Disney's brand tone of being colourful and enjoyable.

On the whole, I have completed the exterior view of the Folders and now need to finish the inside content for all.

Tomorrow's Plans:

• Print Dividers
• Make a Tag for the Puzzle
• Read through folder work to make sure folder work runs smoothly to the viewer

Ironing onto the Fabric Bags...

Today, I have spent most of the day ironing the Transfers onto my Fabric Bags. As a reminder, these Fabric Bags are going to hold my Research Folders on my Exhibition Stand.

I underestimated how much time this task would take. I initially thought it would take a couple of hours, due to doing a 'test' and getting the heat and application times right for the best presentation.

I bought 5 bags, as I knew I definitely needed 2 bags to hold the Folders with a third bag being used for any items which do not need a prominent position on my Exhibition Stand but may liked to be looked at if a viewer was to look underneath the table for example.

Overall, it took around 5 hours and a couple of failed attempts, but I have 3 bags which I am pleased with!

After this, I have inserted the Covers into my Research Folders and created some side border panels, displaying my logo, name, etc.

I have started to organise my plans for the Submission day next Monday, I think I am going to arrive into University around 11am. I do not yet know if we all have to be there at 4pm for the Submission Deadline so this may alter my plans in that I arrive later.

Tomorrow's Plans:

• Transfer my work into the new Research Folders
• Sort and Print my File Dividers
• Fill in any Gaps, printing, etc.

Friday's Plans:

• Make a Tag to be put onto the Puzzle
• Finish off the Research Folders
• Check through all the Submission

Over the Weekend:

• Finish all elements
• Prepare to take all of the work to University for the Final Submission

Update on Today's Progression

This morning I finalised my work and went to the Printers. I now have the Mini Report, Portfolio, Folder Covers, a Poster and Leaflets printed. I am very relieved that this is done and I am pleased with the finished articles.

I feel fine with my time management, as I have since organised my Portfolio, so this and the Mini Report are ready to submit now. I am happy with this as they are ready just under a week before the submission date. I am also a day ahead of my personal targets for each day.

In terms of what I need to do now:

• Iron my transfers onto the fabric bags
• Transfer my Research and Development work into new Folders.
• Sort and Print my File Dividers
• Fill in any gaps within the Folders, printing off documents, etc.
• Make a 'Tag' to display on the Puzzle that will be on my Exhibition Stand (This Puzzle can be won in a competition on the Pupils' Website) 
• Organise the transportation of my Submission next Monday

Iron On Transfers

After my blog post yesterday, I  prepared the 'Maths with Mickey' Logo for printing onto my Iron On Transfer paper. Along with this Logo, I would like to apply some Stars to the bags which have also been used on my Exhibition Stand, on the Folder Covers and in my Reports. This will make for a coherent overall appearance.

Today's plan:

• To finalise the Portfolio boards ready for print.
• To hopefully print out the Mini Report, Portfolio content and the Folder Covers, plus a Poster and Leaflets.
• If the above two tasks are completed, I can organise my Portfolio ready for submission and start working on the research folders (dividing sections, noting this blog address etc).

Extra visual methods

Since my last blog post, I have achieved the aims/tasks that I set myself; to finish the mini report ready for print, to create the layout of the visuals within the portfolio and make some fabric bag designs.
I have also burned the Primary Research Interviews onto a CD to include in the Portfolio.
The Research Folder and Portfolio covers have been finalised ready for print.
Also, due to having some time, I have been looking through the promotional methods of the campaign to see if any of these can be enhanced. I decided that two of the methods, the Leaflet advertising the Pupils website and the Browser App Game could have visual elements made.
Therefore, I have made the Leaflet and I am hoping to have a few versions printed to include in my Portfolio and on the Exhibition Stand.
In terms of the Help Mickey! Browser App game, I have produced a Logo which reflects Mickey and the greenery of the Amazon Rainforest. Again, this includes inspiration from primary and secondary research.

Fabric Bags to hold my Research Folders

After my blog post yesterday, I spent my time creating the covers for my Research Folders and Portfolio (which I will finish in the next couple of days), researching companies to print onto Fabric Bags and printing companies to create a Poster to place within the Portfolio.

The covers of the Folders and Portfolio are in keeping with the overall look of the visual campaign and the Graphic Stand as the brand logo and Folder Title is placed on a plain white background with the same stars to be printed on the Graphic Stand. This aims to make the identity of the campaign look coherent and professional.

In terms of the Fabric Bags...I have decided that I want to transport to and position my folders within the Exhibition in some sort of bag. These will match the overall look, as the 'Maths with Mickey' logo will feature on them, plus, the possibility of some stars. Again, this look will match the Graphic Stand and the covers of the Folders and Portfolio. I was looking into getting these printed by the company in which I researched the bags, however I have decided to purchase the bags plus some iron-on transfer paper to 'print' the bags myself. This is due to the lead time and delivery estimation for the company to print them. It will be quicker for me to produce myself and I am fairly confident as I have created similar articles in the past.

I ordered the bags and transfer paper yesterday afternoon and they have arrived this morning. So I am pleased with the efficient service! I am tempted to place the logos onto these as soon as possible, so at least I know that these are ready...

As for the Poster, I am going to wait until I print the Mini Report and the Portfolio content and get the same company to print a Poster for me. This ensures the same ink is being used and thus will match the rest of the visuals.

My plans for Today:

• To finish the creation of the Mini report and prepare for printing.
• Layout the Visual Promotional Methods onto A3 sheets for the Portfolio and prepare for printing.
• Think about some print designs for the Fabric Bags.

Graphic Stand Submission

I have today driven up to University and submitted my Graphic Stand Layout early, the submission is tomorrow (Thursday 10th May).

My Lecturer was able to open, check and re-save my work fairly quickly, so the file sizes should be fine for the Printing Equipment to handle also.

I am very relieved that I have now submitted this, meaning the main part of my Exhibition will be present.

The next plans - 

Research Folders:

• To go through my Folders and fill in any gaps by printing work off, etc.

Creating:

• Dividers for my Research Folders.
• Recording the blog addresses in my Folders.
• Making Cover Inserts for my Portfolio and Research Folders.
• Creating the layout for the Visual methods in my Portfolio.
• Finishing the layout of the Mini Report.
• A way of taking and displaying the Folders to and within the Exhibition - some sort of bag?

Printing:

• Ordering an A3 copy Poster to put in my Portfolio?
• Printing my Research and Development Boards.
• Printing the sheets of Visuals for inside the Portfolio.
• Printing the Mini Report.

The tasks which I will tackle first are those will the longest lead times, for example, ordering a Poster print, making bags for my Folders.

Once the layouts of the Visual methods and the Mini Report are finalised, I can get these printed also.

Computer Room Session

Today, I have been into University to save my graphic stand files after my Lecturer has seen the changes I have made.

I have had problems saving due to these being such large file sizes. An I/O error message kept appearing which means one of two things, either not enough memory (hard drive space) or file corruption. So I decided to return home and re-make the whole document, luckily this did not take as long as I anticipated and I was able to save a selection of files on CDs, a USB and an External hard drive.

Due to doing this by the end of tonight, I am going to drive up to University tomorrow morning for my Lecturer to open the files and I will hopefully be able to submit the work.

Graphic Stand layout content

I have been adding the final touches to my layout of the Graphic Stand but have a little confusion with the saving settings when converting to PDF.

Therefore, I am travelling to University tomorrow morning for a booked session in a computer room, allocated for us to create our layouts. This will allow me to save my work under instruction from my Lecturer.

I will decide what work to do when I return home in the afternoon depending on the content of the morning.

Graduate Fashion Week stand content

Today, as mentioned in the last post, I have selected a few images to hand in as my contribution to the 'Ebook' that is being created by the University department.

In addition, I created a 'personal page' which gives a paragraph of my aspirations, my CV and a photograph of myself. A short description of 'Maths with Mickey' is also given.

I have burned the content onto a CD to hand in on Tuesday 8th May.

My Stickers also arrived today, which I am fairly happy with. I feel the alignment of printing and cutting could be improved by MOO though as it appears unequal roundness in comparison to the proofing which I used before placing the order.

Developing the Graphic Stand

Today, I have been working on the suggested changes for the layout of my Graphic Stand. I scheduled most of the day for this as I wanted to near complete this task.

I have emailed a few 'print screen' images to my Lecturer and we both agree on one of the layouts being the strongest from the selection. So I have decided to add some other touches and finalise the widths and alignment.

I have also tested the file size, these being around 60MB for the PDF (such a huge difference to before!) but the Illustrator file is around 500MB still. I do not really understand the big difference in size between the two so I will look into this before I prepare the files for submission.

After this, I started to sort the images and what I want to produce as my contribution to the Graduate Fashion Week Stand. As Final Year Students, we have been asked to submit a 'page' about ourselves and a selection of images of our work. For each Student, these will be showcased on iPads at the annual event. A great opportunity to display our creations to the public in London!

I handed in a CD of my work to another Lecturer yesterday who is making the Degree Book (I have mentioned this in an earlier post), I feel making the most of these opportunities is the best way of giving myself a chance to try and immerse in the industry that I want to work in.

Tomorrow's Plans:

• To complete the work to be showcased at Graduate Fashion Week.
• Start looking through my research folders and write a list for printing.

Graphic Stand Tutorial

Last night I made some changes to my Research and Development Boards, making them very nearly complete.

Today, I have travelled to and from University for a Tutorial with my Lecturer about the layout of my Graphic Stand. The meeting was productive in that my Lecturer gave me advice and his opinion on the layout that I had created visually and the outlined plans.

The main points are to keep widths equal between promotional methods, grouping items together and laying out the orientations of landscape and portrait.

In terms of the huge file size, I was advised to give both an Illustrator and PDF file of my layout. This enables my Lecturer to give the smallest of these two files to the Printers.

I have become quite unwell over the last few days so this afternoon I travelled home and rested. After a visit to the Doctors tomorrow, I will hopefully be able to focus on my work in which I will edit my Graphic Stand layout accordingly.

I will print screen my developments and email a few of the images to my Lecturer (as suggested by him) to make sure I am on track for the submission of the layout due next Thursday (10th May). If I am finished with the development and my Lecturer feels it is a strong submission, then I may hand the files in on Tuesday (8th May). This saves me waiting till Thursday, giving me a day at home to work through the other work to be submitted later.

Visualising the Graphic Stand

So far Today, I have been compiling a Visual Idea for my graphic Stand to take with me to my Tutorial tomorrow.

I have prepared my images to what I believe they need to be, including going through every visual and outlining the fonts so they will print properly. The images are embedded also.

But a problem is....the saved PDF of my idea is 501MB and my Lecturer wants files no larger than 350MB. I will need to speak to him tomorrow about this, as my file sizes are A4 and below at 300dpi and therefore cannot be made any smaller without looking too small and pixilated. Hopefully, my Lecturer will suggest some options in order to get the PDF size down! A normal Illustrator would unlikely be such a large size, I am guessing it is the PDF conversion which is making the file much larger.

Most of today has been taken up by the outlining of the fonts and resizing of the visuals. This has taken much longer than I anticipated and have therefore not got round to editing the visual content of the mini report which I have aimed to do today. Time is set aside for this after the submission of the PDF for the Graphic Stand so the latter has more importance at the moment.

I am going to get ready for tomorrow's commute up to University and for my Tutorial.

If I have time after this, I am likely to make the visual changes to my Research and Development boards rather than the Mini Report.

Finishing of the Visual adaptations and Starting Layout Ideas for the Graphic Stand

Today I have finished converting and changing my Visuals and started doing the 'Mock Ups' for my Graphic Stand.

I have some outlined plans to take to my Lecturer on Thursday. As well as this, I am going to make a 'visual' version tomorrow, showing the promotional methods rather than just outlined boxes, to give a truer interpretation of the finished result.

Tomorrow, I also want to adapt the mini report since I have changed the Pupils' Website. I have decided to include less of the promotional methods 'visually' in this, as they will be shown on the Graphic Stand and within the Portfolio, so seems to be a repetitive for them to feature in every element of the submission.