Semester Two : Week Four | Group Project EXPO

This week we delivered finished materials, built and presented our Launch! Project expo

The Brief: work in small interdisciplinary group to concept, plan, design and present a new product, idea, event or service that solves an identified problem.

The Concept: ShameTree Fest gives the opportunity to young film- and music-makers and writers who aren’t given a platform in mainstream media. The aim is to encourage young men in particular to express themselves in an open way that counters the culture of toxic masculinity. Our expo display showcased animation, short film, illustration and graphic design

How successful was the outcome in relation to the brief?

We identified the problem of communication barriers between generations, and between ‘the authorities’ ― teachers, social workers, police ― and the young people they are trying to influence or discipline. We responded with an event which could help show a different, human side to subvert the prejudice and judgement that young men can face. We made it simple and accessible via social media. We displayed the idea via digital screen to showcase the variety of work; print elements to draw attention to the screen; and interactive elements ― a prize draw and popcorn giveaway ― that successfully engaged our audience.

What aspects of your work were successful and why is this?

I created a keynote presentation to draw all the elements of our group work together. Using photographic backgrounds gave a united look and feel to a wide variety of media and approaches. We shared a moodboard and colour palette that helped to unify different styles.

What aspects of your work were you not happy with and why is this?

We planned to print A3 posters but technical problems on the day meant we had to find alternative solutions: recreating a simpler design by hand. It would have been preferable to print the black & white illustrative pieces on card or mount on foam-board to give a more professional finish.

What did you find challenging or difficult and why?

It was challenging to reach a clear idea of what our product or service might be. We needed to find a way to showcase quite disparate skills and had chosen quite a big problem to try and solve through design alone! Initially we had planned to created a card deck of conversation prompts, but given time restraints we simplified and refined the concept to appeal direct to our target audience of young men, rather than the gate-keepers.

How did your planning work out? How might you improve your current methods of planning and management of time?

We elected to focus on digital production to allow the most time (ie not needing to allow for print lead-times). I think our planning worked out pretty well as a result. In future, it would be good to have regular touch points with the whole team to run through critical path and progress.

What knowledge and skills have you gained?

I gained knowledge of the challenges and feelings of this generation of young men. I developed skills of illustration, working from photographs to capture the impression of a person.

What knowledge and skills might you use again, and how?

I want to further develop the illustration techniques: using tracing paper to help with dimension and proportion, creating a dummy book of pencil sketches then refining with digital line drawing for final print.