Blog 1

Design Factory
http://www.thedesignfactory.com/html/index.html

Process: The Design Factory (also under Our Work>View Services) discusses the process in which they use to be successful and produce innovating designs. First they listen, then plan and then “create artistic pieces”. What I assume makes The Design Factory successful is their expectation to go above and beyond for their customers. It is this factor that will set designers apart from one another. Also, throughout their design process they are not only thinking creatively, they also have to think with a business mindset. This means keeping in mind guidelines, budgets, time and resources.

Artistic Needs: DF requires a good understanding of the product and business of their client so their work will be completely tailored for that company.

Client Needs: The Design Factory (under Our Work>View Services) promotes branding and further discusses how a company who brands their product with a good design is on the road straight to success. This is what the client needs. The standard client coming to DF is in need of creative expertise that will efficiently sell their product.

Product: Products range from packaging to interactive CDS to branding providing each client with many options that will fit their needs.

Tronic
http://www.tronicstudio.com/media/shell/shell_big.html

Process: They start each project with a “rigorous conceptual process” and then apply that concept using the appropriate media.

Client Needs: Tronic Studio discusses the need to collaborate between fields, such as architecture and design, in order to create their designs. This makes complete sense because, as designers, we cannot always do what has always been done. We need to look to other sources for new ideas in order produce results. Tronic also talks about having flexibility. The more options they open for themselves the larger clientele they will have.

Artist Needs: Knowledge in art, design, directing and architecture and the ability to creatively combine aspects of each field.

Product: Mostly film or print ads, which demonstrate optimal collaborated pieces designed for big name like Sony, Samsung and Discovery.


PYSOP
http://www.psyop.tv/

Process: Begins with still imagery either drawn or photographed. This still image will then be translated into layers and colors and then put together as a moving sequence.
Client Needs: PSYOP brings up an interesting point on their site not necessarily about the client’s needs but the needs of the audience the client is trying to reach. In a world where mass media and advertisement is everywhere we look, PSYOP tries to “earn the hearts and minds of the public through creative content”. This leads to success because they are not just looking at what their client needs. They are looking beyond. Indirectly, the public is a designer’s client and, like any other client, we need to consider them as much as our direct clients.

Artist Needs: Desire to “persuade, change and influence” through the means of visual art with a background/understanding in animation, advertising and other artistic fields.

Product: Branding Campaigns, Printed ads and animation designed for appreciation by those seeking enjoyment from the visual arts in order to sell a product.


Hillman Curtis
http://www.hillmancurtis.com/index.php?/about/

Process: First, gaining knowledge of the company, the product and the goals of the project. Then designing either a film or webpage that will meet those goals, please the client and earn respect in the industry.

Client Needs: Clients coming to Hillman Curtis are looking to either define, or re-define a product. Usually, these are big name companies because HC is a very successful design company.

Artist Needs: Very detailed idea of what the client is looking for, what the guidelines of the project are and other factors that come into play through out the design process.

Product: On the Hillman Curtis site there is a very short paragraph that explains how the company looks at each new project with a “fresh, collaborative spirit”. Designers, like artists, need to start with a blank canvas. Each project is a new job with new challenges. And each product you work with will teach you something. Also, the product will lead you to other products, and obviously other work.