Concepts

I have been thinking a lot about my research over the weekend and the three main concept ideas have emerged.  I like the idea of using very strong, bold, perhaps condensed type maybe in capital letters.  This could form a really simple yet striking typographic identity, giving the impression of impact, scale and power.  I have been really inspired for this by leaflets and information design I collected in Berlin which are very simple yet beautifully balanced.  This typographic style would give me lots of opportunities to use letterpress to create really special pieces for the launch.  Through speaking to the client it has become clear that they would like some really special bespoke design pieces for the launch, but simple enough that they could carry on creating something similar as the Big Weave continues after the summer.  This option would suit very well.  

My second idea would be to take inspiration from weaving manuals and instructions in some way and use them to create a fresh and humorous tone of voice.   Perhaps by drawing abstract and experimental drawings of warped up looms, contrasting this with blocks of text or bold type.  This option would convey more of the history and heritage of weaving and show it's technical side, but may not be so appropriate for trying to get young people involved and excited about weaving.  

My third possible thread is to create big bold colourful patterns inspired by the patterns in woven cloth.  I think something like this could be really successful at grabbing people's attention and getting them buzzing about weaving.  Imagine how great big A1 posters would look - not sure yet how you could incorporate type but at this stage these are only initial thoughts.  

Client meeting

Had a meeting today with the client, just to clarify exactly what it is each side is expecting!  So far, before having really thought of any concept ideas we are looking at some sort of flyer (hopefully will be more exciting than standard A6 flyer), big A1 posters, letterheads, and a simple website that the client can update with news and events.  The flyer needs to be aimed at people who have potential venues for the big weave,so when the loom is out in action, the flyer will provide more information if somebody is interested in hiring the big weave to take place at their venue.  The posters will be used for more general advertising and information purposes for the public out and about in our local area.  

Val (from MAiden Erlegh School who is funding the project) is keen to also have a letterhead with a big watermark and "belly" posters as she called them that she can edit.  I think she is expecting me to design a logo and just plonk it on everything.  So we will have to see how we get on at the next meeting! 

I can't wait to get started on ideas!  Through my research so far, three concept ideas have emerged so will being thinking about those next week after a bit more research.

Research research research

I am trying to research as widely as possible so that I keep my options open and get inspiration from as many sources as possible.  I am thinking blogs and interactive websites would be a very good way of spreading the word about the Big Weave.  So I have been looking at these and identities for other similar organisations to the Big Weave.  I love the identity created by Hat-Trick design for the Sumatran Orangutan Society.  It is simple, flexible and playful and has great impact.  This is what the Big Weave needs.

I have also become excited about stamps and chunky typographic prints.  Below is an example from a local Reading artist called Sally Castle, she uses lino cuts to create bold typographic work.  Great stuff, could work well for The BIG WEAVE.

   

THE BIG WEAVE

Today I start my new project, which is very exciting and also terrifying as it is my last project to complete at college!  I have found the client myself; three ladies (one being my mother) from my local area who are setting up an organisation called The Big Weave.  They are launching the project in the summer, when they will take a big weaving loom into different towns in Berkshire and encourage people to interact with one another and create a community tapestry.

It will be my job over the next four weeks to create an identity for The Big Weave, and some sort of campaign to raise awareness of the launch project.

Let the fun begin!