2001: A Space Odyssey

Drilcorp Ltd

I've been briefed by a company to create them a new website as the original one is beginning to look dated and as far as SEO goes it really isn't working. I started some initial visuals which have now been signed off, I've recieved copy and photography from the client which speeds things along even further. The site will feature a blog which will feed through to the home page when a new blog entry has been inputted. It will feature some Jquery and MooFX javascript element which will add interactivity and some nice sliding animated imagery/menu system.

Below are the visuals. Hopefully the site build will commence next week and a further week of testing thereafter.

Graphic Design

Okay, a little while since I've updated my blog as I've been busy with work. I've created logo designs, stationary, business cards, brochures, comp slips and letterheads. Unfortunatly I'm unable to show some of this work yet as requested by clients in there contracts but all in all everything is going very well at Alight, and I'm very pleased with my work.

I've learnt an incredible amount about design, right from the initial stages through to the printing. My knowledge of Pantone and using Spot Colours has made me a better designer and I've found it very interesting researching various different papers, emboss effects and metallic film finishes involved in print. It's especially helpful to know this if a client requests 100% recycled paper if they want there business to be known as a green company.

Other work that I have been involved in is initial front end web design and passing this work onto a .net developer to code it and give it the functionality and accessibility through all web browsers.

Sitting infront of Illustrator, Indesign, and Photoshop 9 hours a day doesn't half make you a lot more confident in your work. I pretty much know every shortcut and trick going which is very handy and I recommend getting to know them as this can speed things up immensely if you are into design work ofcourse.

I've been offered a part time position at work throughout my final year of university and a job when I graduate which is fantastic news.

Below are some initial visuals of a website I've created for my uncles business, the site will incorporate MooFX's to add interactivity without damaging SEO or accessibility options.

Bookmarks

Some useful sites to help spark some ideas when doing design work.

http://styleboost.com

www.faveup.com

http://ffffound.com/

http://blog.iso50.com/

http://reformrevolution.com/

http://www.cesarvillegas.com/

http://www.webdesignerwall.com/

http://www.injectiondesign.com/

Work Placement - Alight

I had an interview at Alight on monday, Alight are a design company based in the lace market area that do pretty much anything multimedia related. I think my interview went okay and they were really nice people. I showed them my portfolio and they seemed to think I have an eye for design but I'm lacking in technical knowledge, which is very true and something I'm wanting to improve on. I've been asked to go there on friday to see how I get along, with the possibility of it been a full years experience after a couple of months trained up. Fingers crossed it goes well!

Pathology

Not a bad film, not for those that are squemish though! I dont think the acting of the main character was all that good and I kinda predicted what was going to happen. I think it tried to do the Se7en thing but the impact was no where near, I didn't feel as much sympathy for the victims at all. On a cinematography point of a view I thought there were some great shots in the film and I liked the overall cold look the DP obviously tried to put across, it seemed a little de-saturated with the contrast reduced to give a flatter look, I think the film was shot HD as most new films are heading for this option due to budget, but I could be wrong. Ekkehart Pollack is the cinematographer, I will definitely be checking out some of his work.

The Ruins

Just watched this film, and I felt the need to write about it because I thought it was a pile of ****. I thought the acting was good but the whole film is a let down. I would have gone for a more isolated and psychological feel between the characters. I liked the idea of isolation and mysteriousness but it just didn't seem to be pulled off enough. It's almost like a horror comedy for all the wrong reasons. Anyway that's just my opinion some may like it but it wasn't my cup of tea!