Thursday, February 5, 2009

Blog Entry #1--wendy meyer

Process: 
         Eyeball NYC states that the way they work best is by collaborating ideas with a small group of creative people. Through this process, the end result is "powerful, relevant, and unexpected".  I agree. Several creative ideas come streaming out from people, but when it is focused into a specific direction, great things can come out of it.   http://eyeballnyc.com.

Product and Client Needs:
          FX Company offers the best motion control techniques, which serve the clients need when it comes to feature films, commercials, promos, and corporate work. Many techniques will serve powerful when creating any piece for a client. The more a company can offer, the better.
www.thevfxco.co.uk/contact.htm.

Artistic Need:
          3am design and film "develop compelling visual narratives by communicating mood, thought, and message".  It's not just about what one can do with a program. If a person can convey a form of expression in any way, they have an artistic advantage than a person who is technologically brainy.   www.3am-design.com.

Avery - Blog #1

Process: Hillman Curtis (http://www.hillmancurtis.com/index.php?/about/) approaches the artistic process by "combining simplicity with elegance to create sophisticated yet intuitive designs." I think that it is important for a company to have a distinctive style that they stick to as the basis and reputation for the firm. Another company that discusses the artistic process is Attik (http://www.attik.com/#/menu-overview/howwedoit). What I liked most is that they are somewhat unconventional; they realize that not everyone has to "get it" and that alternate media is sometimes most memorable. One last company is Blitz (http://blitzagency.com/#aboutUs). They talk about being problem solvers and that part of the process is not creating, but "making things better."


Artistic Need: Trollman + Company (http://www.trollback.com/#/about-us/) as well as Imaginary Forces (http://www.imaginaryforces.com/company) claim the narrative to be the most essential element of a product. A narrative not only allows for a more effective product, but it also creates a reputation and ethical statement for the client. Motion house Attik claims that design "goes beyond look and feel." This also suggests that narrative and the story behind the design is important. Exopolis, Inc. claims that creative diversity is a strength and that it allows them to work with all different kinds of clients.



Clients' needs:
I believe that Nexus Productions (http://www.nexuslondon.com/main.html) is a good example of a client-centric company. They state that their company focuses on working with their clients, and that the clients themselves are creative and talented people. They pride themselves on working internationally, and with keeping up with the changing media to fit a client's needs. Another example of client's needs is Attik (http://www.attik.com/#/menu-overview/?expanded=true). They talk about partnering up with the client as soon as possible in order to create or maintain an established brand. One last company is BL:ND, whose mission statement for clientele is "constantly challenging ourselves to develop great images and unforgettable visuals for our clients."



Product:
Perhaps the best, all-encompassing quote regarding product comes from Imaginary Forces (http://www.imaginaryforces.com/company):

IT'S THE QUESTION WE GET ASKED THE MOST.

We research, we write, we draw, we design, we paint, we photograph, we sculpt, we program, we talk, we argue, we collaborate, we pitch, we imagine.

What do we make?

Film titles. Commercials. Interactive spaces. Television. Live action. Broadcast design. Virtual destinations. Experience Design. Graphics. Branding. The list goes on.

Regardless of the project, though, we always want to tell a story. Simple or complicated, it doesn't matter. Whether it be a main title or a journey through an immersive architectural environment, complete with audio, video, giant puppets and acrobats - the story needs to be compelling and relevant. And however we need to tell it, we will.

Above all, we approach our work as an opportunity to be innovative and always strive to create something that's never been done before. This is what excites us, what makes us tick.
I really admire their philosophy that each project is unique and must tell its own story. No matter how easy, hard, enthralling, or boring a project is, they must bring to it a compelling narrative. When maintaining this philosophy, it would be very difficult to not be proud of anything you've done - if you've given your all to something and it shows, it would be hard to be disappointed.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

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.