Peter Byrom Smith

Peter has found inspiration for his music in the life and work of a varied array of composers, artists and poets. Writing for and performing with many musicians from across a wide spectrum of genres, was his composing ‘apprenticeship.’ His musical journey has taken him on many trips across Europe and the USA, where his music has been performed, recorded and broadcast.  Peter’s work is performed regularly and he receives frequent commissions for new music. His music crosses boundaries: a melange of sounds, bringing together elgarian melody, jazz harmonies and rock rhythms. In the growing portfolio of work which includes pieces written for full orchestra, chamber musicians and solo performers, he also regularly works with pop/rock musicians both in the studio and live performances. 

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"When someone asks you to do something, say YES"

I don't feel Peter Byron Smith is very good at presenting. However, I admire his mindset. He believes that you should take every opportunity that comes to you, as it not only gives you more experience, but it also gets your name out there. Through word of mouth Smith has been able to make connections and moves from job to job quite easily.

Smith stated he was homeless at one point and for him to get himself this well known, it a real achievement. He commented that when he first set out, he worked fairly small jobs (temporary), which allowed him to get involved with the subject. From there, he built up his knowledge; as he improved in skill, his work load increased. Smith also mentioned that most of his jobs are small and quite quick, even twenty years down the line. He agrees that this helps him to think quickly and produce work based on first opinion and the flow of creativity is on fire if you know you have a deadline.

During the talk Smith said "I get bored easily", as he explained that if he gets offered a job he has done before, he rejects it and looks into something new. I don't feel that is a correct statement to make. A creative person should not get bored, in my eyes? There should always be something new in anything you do, even if you have done it before, there's room for improvement and development. However, he went onto explain that he doesn't categorise himself and his genre's are broad as he's experienced more and more things. I agree that that should be the case.

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Although Peter Byron Smith doesn't work in the graphic design industry, I feel that the attitude you should have is rather similar. Being creative is vital in any career path. Working outside the box to come up with new ideas and something that WOW's. 

Studio Dunbar

Design is at the heart of what we do. We describe our work as ‘visual branding, online branding’, meaning we create every visible expression of a brand or organization — offline and online. This involves expertise in strategy, communication, branding and process-management. It is in our nature to look for the pure essence — in the people we work with, and the projects we take on. It’s a mentality that helps us to build a great team and achieve extraordinary results, no matter how complex or demanding a project might be.

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Studio Dunbar was founded in 1977 and currently consists of twenty people (five different nationalities). I felt I learnt so much in this lecture. About the design industry and how it works, the different aspects of graphic design that can be considered if you have the imagination for it and that bad ideas can actually lead to good things.

Creative Director, Liza Enemies entertained us all. She spoke in simple words that we could understand and told it how it was. I found it peculiar to learn that she isn't interested in drawing as such, but still has such a creative mind. Liza prefers to write every thought down, showing the process to her ideas.

letterstoloveliza.com was a real eye opener to me. Although part of me feels 'why does she feel she has the ability to help so many people with such life changing things?', the other part knows that it is only an opinion and changes should not be made based on one single person's comment - especially one who doesn't know the ins and outs of the situation. However, I love it. Liza says that the website gives advice to designers but also to herself. I'm sure I will find myself checking it every now and then. Humorous and intriguing.

@DesignRhymes is awful. But just so good at the same time. typeradio.org may also come in use somewhere down the line. Studio Dunbar have really made me wonder about what aspect of design I enjoy. I have concluded with all of it. I love being creative and experimenting.

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Mauritshuis - A new identity for the home of Dutch Golden Age Painting (June 2014)

Inspired by artists' anagrams, the new logo overlaps reproductions of key paintings to communicate a clear link between the Mauritshuis and its collection. I find it unbelievably clever that the logo hints at the museum's heritage while pacing it in the 21st century. During the lecture we were shown the development of ideas for the logo through means of an animation. This was extraordinary. The movements and changes of the two letters, showing all possibilities and thoughts throughout the process left me memorised. The attention to the new brand's colour palette is carefully considered also, linking back to the house's interiors and wall coverings. 

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Meridian Van Velsen and Daan Rietbergen joined Liza at the lecture. So many different styles are brought together as a studio and they all produce some really inspiring work. Daan explains that he is inspired from the streets and packaging around rather than pinterest boards and already published data. He is fascinated in different cultures and this is certainly shown in his work. Studio Dunbar seems to have a strong focus on different typography and shapes. Making their work bold and easy to read feels like priority. I find it amazing that they are able to create such exciting work with such a simple starting point and chosen elements.

Amsterdam Sinfonietta - Visualising the ephemeral nature of music
Studio Dunbar have been creating artwork and identities for this independent music ensemble for ten years. With a focus on 3D objects, creating shapes and intertwining typography, these amazing display visual representations of music. All the posters in the series include main elements such as the central title, company name top left and information on the base. From there, experimentation can take place. I find it amazing that so much can be made from simple shapes and colours. Also, I've recognised that posters like these aren't seen in England. Extremely engaging.

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VBMS - Transforming a European Market-leader into global force
Studio Dunbar was asked to creatively launch the brand. Bringing only the initials of the company to create the brand identity, it also brought it in to the future. The logo is now clear, solid and contemporary. The 'M' dipping below the baseline suggest connectivity to "under the sea". The strong, sophisticated colour palette of black and silver finalises the large, bold font to emphasis the sturdy company. The typography included in any merchandise for NBMS has been left simple to avoid distraction.

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Alzheimer Nederland - Where there is light, there is hope

Studio Dunbar had the job to help Alzheimer Nederland raise awareness by creating an identity for the non-profit organisation. The logotype is bold and confident; having gone through various design developments. However, the 'vanishing points' visualise the effects of dementia, softly, with it not being graphic and unnerving. I feel it does portray the right answer to the question. There is certainly a balance between real and representation. I love the theme running throughout the merchandise. The images capture a real sense of emotion. Very simple but very effective.

Cheddar Gorgeous

Cheddar Gorgeous is drag artist based in Manchester UK. He hosts Manchester’s monthly home of fabulous: Cha Cha Boudoir, and is the namesake of the Family Gorgeous. He is interested in drag beyond gender binaries and queer storytelling through club performance. His work has been featured in ID, Vice magazine and the New York times. When not dressed as a queen, king, cat, unicorn or any number of other assorted creations he spends his time writing and drawing in anthropology.

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Cheddar Gorgeous uses his body as a 'canvas' with the ability to create a collage and a narrative. I find it an intriguing way to expressing himself and a creative way to fabricate different personas depending on his mood. It's his way to respond to the world, saying what he thinks and adding something to it. Cheddar Gorgeous' talk has left me free to think that anything can be used as canvas. Also, I have realised that expression and emotion can be expressed creatively in so many different ways. Furthermore, I have learnt to see the beauty and art that people express everyday in the way their hold and present themselves.

Michael Craig Martin

Michael Craig Martin is a contemporary conceptual artist and painter from Ireland. He makes extremely large line drawings of ordinary household objects filled with vivid colour. Martin works on canvas and completes complex wall paintings also. 

I love the abstract expressionism. Martin aims for the audiences attention to be on the work he produces and not the artist behind it. He feels that art is fully expressive of the individual and therefore feels that viewers see him without even thinking. Martin likes things that are set out clearly as this allows him to see the beauty in single objects. He feels that we have the access to everything that is important, right in front of our eyes; but yet we're always trying to find more. We often look for the special in special objects or special events but actually, if we understood the quality of ordinary things, we are closer to the substance of life. 

Having done more research into Michael Craig Martin, I noticed he has written a book named "On Being an Artist". This is an insight into what it actually means and what it takes to be an artist today. Martin gives practical advice and insights gained from his own creative practice. He also talks about his own personal inspirations.

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Michael Craig Martin has given me inspiration to find objects that we see each time (but don't notice), as we walk down Corridor Manchester and emphasis them on the hoardings of Circle Square. This would produce a little interaction with the public as they would begin to notice the objects as they walk the road. Links and connections will produce a stronger influence from the work. However, using an element of abstract impressionism, objects will be seen in a different light. Bright and bold and blown up to show the details people aren't normally aware of.

Project Wild Thing

David Bond is concerned. His kids' waking hours are dominated by a cacophony of marketing, and a screen dependence threatening to turn them into glassy-eyed zombies. Like city kids everywhere, they spend way too much time indoors - not like it was back in his day. He decides it's time to get back to nature - literally. In an attempt to compete with the brands, which take up a third of his daughter's life, Bond appoints himself Marketing Director for Nature. Like any self-respecting salesman, he sets about developing a campaign and a logo. With the help of a number of bemused professionals, he is soon selling Nature to British families. His humorous journey unearths some painful truths about modern family life. His product is free, plentiful and has proven benefits - but is Nature past its sell-by date?

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I found the film rather exciting and particularly fascinating. Project Wild Thing cleverly linked to the our project in a number of ways. For example: the organisation needed to create a brand and an identity, the insight into creating a logo and the different teams needed to get a campaign off the ground. It was engaging to see David Bond's primary research and the reactions from the general public about his proposed idea. At the end of the day, the target audience's opinion is what matters most. The question "are you able to sell anything?", has really fallen heavily on my mind. Is it possible? The message needs to be strong, using main words the describe the 'product' in the best possible way. Additionally, awareness and networking is certainly key when it comes to bringing something new into the creative industry. Not only that but making sure you have connections to different people for different jobs throughout the process. I found the simple drawings really quite effective, running alongside the beautiful friendly theme of natural green and soft sans serif typefaces. Over all a really effective project. More promotion needed however, as I hadn't heard of it and the film was produced in 2013.

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Inspiration can be taken from a few key aspects of this film. While creating the hoardings for the Circle Square development, we will be looking into having a voice heard. Creating a strong message for the people walking Oxford Road to see. They were key points given in the film in regards to collaboration also. No matter how small the project, more than one mind in more than one creative field will increase the imagination rapidly. Bounce thoughts off everyone to get the best out of an idea. Furthermore, the aim of the entire project is to support connections with nature and wildness in children and young people because as a community people feel that this develops a much healthier mind and body as apposed to sitting inside all day with eyes glued to a screen. 

This idea could be expanded in many ways, possibly linking to the fact that many people walking Corridor Manchester, do not bring their head up from their phone to enjoy the beauty of the world; and therefore will not see the develop of the new space behind the hoardings. Which is a shame. Additionally, linking to the proposed connection of nature and business in the new development. Which gives people the opportunity to experience and enjoy nature while on the job.

Song Board: Central Saint Martins

Song Board consists of 2940 yellow and black plastic spheres across a 35m long wall. This pop-up interactive installation at London's King's Cross station designed by the students at Central Saint Martins University of the Arts in London. Song Board enabled the public to rotate the balls creating their own unique patterns, images and messages.

I find it really clever that from such a simple idea, so much can be produced. Giving passers-by the freedom to create whatever they like on a large canvas. That engagement allows people to have their own voice, but also entertains, putting smiles on peoples faces and bringing positivity to their day. By rolling messages, some individuals may communicate something they haven't been given the chance to express before. Revolutionary.

The freedom of speech.

Or perhaps the ability to create a dog made up of spheres.

Whatever takes your fancy.

Circle Square

Circle Square will be a new neighbourhood whose purpose is to create a diverse and unique community. A place where students and scientists, coffee shops and companies can all thrive together. We believe that these things don't happen by accident. They happen when there is a diverse mix of people coming together in the right place at the right time to collaborate and to create something different.

Circle Square is perfectly situated in the heart of Corridor Manchester to enable this to happen, surrounded by leading centres of knowledge, art, music and innovation within the city.

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'Phase 1A' is a nine year £750 million mixed development project on the former BBC site. The aim is 'enable the extraordinary' and combine 'curiosity and opportunity' bringing students and scientists, coffee shops and companies together. The development blends together people and businesses, providing office, retail, serviced apartments, events space and private residential accommodation. With the addition of communal space for public use. The private residential accommodation is to appeal to postgraduates and mature students as it will house a gym, dining areas, media rooms, social and private study.

circlesquaremanchester.com

bruntwood.co.uk

Reflection on Brief

I didn't feel that the brief was explained that well in the lecture itself, however, once I read it through in my own time it became quite clear. The timescale allowed to work in our groups to produce an idea in response to the brief seemed short. Stressfully short. But the stress, I hope, will increase our capability to get it done on time.

I have no initial ideas as of yet. However, I am excited to display the work. I have the idea that I either want to create an interactive design for the corridor of Manchester or voice a strong opinion which will cause conflict (possibly) or at least a change of perception for some.

Initial Briefing

Exciting stuff! A new project!

I have to admit, I have been quite nervous throughout the year waiting for this project. Simply due to the phrase 'group work'. However, intrigued at the same time, as Unit X on our timetable is one huge grey box - with no idea what to expect. 

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The tutors make a real effort to enthuse their students. Creating experimental graphics to entice us before we've even taken our seats in the lecture theatre. The sessions are full of little surprises and interesting ideas. A very unique way of presentation.

I found it fascinating that when asked to hold up a shape that we felt represented us - circle or square - the majority of students held up a 'circle' and the majority of staff held up a 'square'. I feel that students resemble squares to be people who are not very outgoing, coach-potatoes and possibly 'nerdy', therefore, they felt they had to go with circle which may say that they are an all round 'together-ness' person. However, having read the back of each shape thoroughly, there is a lot more to it than that. Being a square isn't all that bad after all, they seem more mature and set in their ways. Just depends on your personality.

"The Circle is a symbol of harmony. Those who choose this shape are interested in good interpersonal relations. The highest value for the circle is people and their well being. This is the most benevolent of the five figures. The Circle is the glue that holds the team or the family together. They stabilize the group and have a high capacity for sympathy and empathy. Circles feel the pain and joy of others as their own. They are right-brain thinkers, not logical but creative and more emotionally charged. The processing of information in such people is not consistent and resembles a mosaic pattern. The main feature of their style of thinking is a focus on the subjective aspects of the problem."

I am a circle. And proud.

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Having completed small activities and been introduced to the new timetable, we were then informed on the tutors inspirations and work from other years. This was an even bigger boost of positivity for me to the new project. It also made the brief a lot clearer. I enjoy reading and re-reading through the handouts and timetables that the tutors provide. They are easy to read and their layouts always leave me with a burst of inspiration.

Brief

"This is a live project and there is a real opportunity for your work to get noticed and realised in a public space. Perhaps more importantly there is a bigger opportunity to test your ideas and attitudes about the city as a place in which to live, play and work."

DEVELOP CREATIVE IDEAS FOR HOARDINGS TO SURROUND BRUNTWOOD'S NEW DEVELOPMENT ON OXFORD ROAD