Final day before submission. The whole group: Steven, Jess, Martin, Kirsty and myself met up to rehearse the PowerPoint, and to discuss a hand out – which was a requirement of the brief. We decided that I would have and print this hand-out as it would be a lot less time-consuming if one person focussed on it.
Martin and I would rehearse again later, and tomorrow before the presentation, to ensure we knew who was saying what, and when! This was important to ensure a coherent presentation.
I must add finishing touches to my look board, including fabric swatches, beads and other components. I must also consider the addition of a trend pack – this will give the viewers something to physically go through whilst the presentation is going out, alleviating any potential boredom.
What next?
We must ensure that everything has come together before tomorrow.
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Creating the PowerPoint
Yesterday Martin, Jess, Kirsty, Steven and I met at the library at 5:30pm to work on the PowerPoint together.
Martin took on the main role of editing, with the support and approval of the rest of the group and Jess was in main control of the PowerPoint. Everybody had equal vocal contribution about what they did/ didn’t like so much – in this way we worked very well as a group. The PowerPoint was formatted like a magazine spread suitable for glamour, showing that our work was suited to this publication, however we also had to prove it was suited to others, this would be discussed later on in the PowerPoint.
I suggested that we format the ‘research slides as a bind from a sketchbook which in effect looked really good. We now had the before and after shots of the photographs, so it would be possible to put these on. Paz suggested these go on the same slide to avoid confusion of flitting between slides. Once the PowerPoint was complete, we would then present it.
What next?
Martin and I must select a time and location to meet to rehearse – I have a feeling this will be after Wednesday’s submission hand-in.
Martin took on the main role of editing, with the support and approval of the rest of the group and Jess was in main control of the PowerPoint. Everybody had equal vocal contribution about what they did/ didn’t like so much – in this way we worked very well as a group. The PowerPoint was formatted like a magazine spread suitable for glamour, showing that our work was suited to this publication, however we also had to prove it was suited to others, this would be discussed later on in the PowerPoint.
I suggested that we format the ‘research slides as a bind from a sketchbook which in effect looked really good. We now had the before and after shots of the photographs, so it would be possible to put these on. Paz suggested these go on the same slide to avoid confusion of flitting between slides. Once the PowerPoint was complete, we would then present it.
What next?
Martin and I must select a time and location to meet to rehearse – I have a feeling this will be after Wednesday’s submission hand-in.
Sunday, 13 December 2009
What I have achieved
Tonight I have worked independently to ensure that I personally am on target, regardless of what stage my group members are at, it is important that I meet my own tasks which I have set. I have successfully produced two look boards on Photoshop, and have selected additional items, such as beads, sequins, pearls and ribbons which I would like to see alongside these.
Tomorrow I will need to get opinions on these from my course leaders and then will need to print and mount these after making amendments. These are to be A3 landscape, coloured and with 3D elements attached.
What next?
I will show all of my work up-to-date to my course leaders tomorrow for further instruction. I will then need to ensure that I make all of the necessary changes to this. I also need to buy more printer paper in preparation for the submission – maybe some ink too!
Tomorrow I will need to get opinions on these from my course leaders and then will need to print and mount these after making amendments. These are to be A3 landscape, coloured and with 3D elements attached.
What next?
I will show all of my work up-to-date to my course leaders tomorrow for further instruction. I will then need to ensure that I make all of the necessary changes to this. I also need to buy more printer paper in preparation for the submission – maybe some ink too!
When next to meet?
We decided that, as a group, we would meet up tomorrow. This will successfully allow us to see how much work we have been doing individually and compile it all together. We arranged to meet at 5o clock in the library, and bring with us our work up to date, make final amendments to the editing of photographs, and have see what our look boards looked like as a collection.
This was important to ensure continuity across the spread. We discussed possible formats for the PowerPoint including a mixture between a magazine spread and a sketchbook, which I believed would be particularly interesting in tracking development. I would also like to introduce the slide with a snapshot of each group member, and conclude it with a sentence from each member of the group.
What next?
Jess is formatting slides for the PowerPoint as I typed this, however I must ensure that I am comfortable with the order of the slides when it comes to presenting. I will therefore ask to see a copy of this on my memory stick as I may need to change the slide order or scan in thing which I believe would be most relevant and topical with regards to sketchbook research.
This was important to ensure continuity across the spread. We discussed possible formats for the PowerPoint including a mixture between a magazine spread and a sketchbook, which I believed would be particularly interesting in tracking development. I would also like to introduce the slide with a snapshot of each group member, and conclude it with a sentence from each member of the group.
What next?
Jess is formatting slides for the PowerPoint as I typed this, however I must ensure that I am comfortable with the order of the slides when it comes to presenting. I will therefore ask to see a copy of this on my memory stick as I may need to change the slide order or scan in thing which I believe would be most relevant and topical with regards to sketchbook research.
How to approach the look boards:
Today I completed my mood board. Steven Hobbis was present as he was looking at the way in which I designed my mood / look board so that he could design his in a similar way and thus it would look more professional and some continuity would be maintained.
I successfully completed this look board. There was then images spare, I took responsibility for creating look board number two, because I did not feel happy leaving it to the others, being aware of their heavy work loads.
What next?
Tomorrow I must get these look boards printed professionally and mounted.
I successfully completed this look board. There was then images spare, I took responsibility for creating look board number two, because I did not feel happy leaving it to the others, being aware of their heavy work loads.
What next?
Tomorrow I must get these look boards printed professionally and mounted.
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Deciding which photographs to use as 'finals'
We all had a copy of the photographs individually. Our next aim is to make a contacts sheet and individually go through these, selecting our favourites before we commenced an editing process, and then put the photographs into a PowerPoint presentation.
The contact sheet allowed us to see which pictures worked and which didn’t work so well, enabling us to eliminate some, query others and be certain we were to use some.
What next?
We must all decide on these are a group, and then must upload the ‘before’ of these onto PowerPoint to show the before editing and after editing transitional process. I considered ways of formatting the presentation, for example in the form of a magazine.
The contact sheet allowed us to see which pictures worked and which didn’t work so well, enabling us to eliminate some, query others and be certain we were to use some.
What next?
We must all decide on these are a group, and then must upload the ‘before’ of these onto PowerPoint to show the before editing and after editing transitional process. I considered ways of formatting the presentation, for example in the form of a magazine.
Reflecting on the shoot:
Yesterday was the day of the shoot. All group members were present: Myself, Martin, Steven, Jess and Kirsty-anne. The shoot was arranged for 4:00pm. Martin and myself had an exam which lasted until 3 o clock, after that we both we straight to mine to sort our hair and makeup.
Hair required minimal tweaking because it was a short hairdo, and because most of the shots saw the use of headbands and headpieces which altered the look slightly.
I did the makeup for the model, including mascara, blusher and lipstick. This was a major cause for concern for us, as we were very worried about the makeup, yet tear sheets helped us achieve the look we were going for which was very heavy eye makeup, and strong lipstick – which we were to enhance on Photoshop. We were also going for a bit of a blusher overload.
We booked a taxi from mine to the studio, having everything pre-arranged the night before. The shoot went very well, we were under a slight time restriction because the model had to leave before a certain time because she was catching a train, and therefore we had to ensure we were on the ball.
Everything went according to plan and the photographs, from what we could see on screen, were better than we ever imagined.
The use of props, for example eye mask, handcuffs and posters were integral to both ensuring continuity and enforcing the look.
What next?
Next we must make a contact sheet up of the images, and choose from the best ones before completing the look boards and putting them into a PowerPoint presentation.
Hair required minimal tweaking because it was a short hairdo, and because most of the shots saw the use of headbands and headpieces which altered the look slightly.
I did the makeup for the model, including mascara, blusher and lipstick. This was a major cause for concern for us, as we were very worried about the makeup, yet tear sheets helped us achieve the look we were going for which was very heavy eye makeup, and strong lipstick – which we were to enhance on Photoshop. We were also going for a bit of a blusher overload.
We booked a taxi from mine to the studio, having everything pre-arranged the night before. The shoot went very well, we were under a slight time restriction because the model had to leave before a certain time because she was catching a train, and therefore we had to ensure we were on the ball.
Everything went according to plan and the photographs, from what we could see on screen, were better than we ever imagined.
The use of props, for example eye mask, handcuffs and posters were integral to both ensuring continuity and enforcing the look.
What next?
Next we must make a contact sheet up of the images, and choose from the best ones before completing the look boards and putting them into a PowerPoint presentation.
Deciding on outfit combinations:
Two days ago, myself, Martin, Jess and Steven met up to piece together the clothes that we had selected – putting them into outfits. It is only now that I have had the chance to update this blog entry.
We used my flatmate Kerry to model the garments, and took photographs of her in the items, as a dancer Kerry was very slim and had a model-like figure. We therefore could get a gist of what the clothes would hang like etc.
We managed to successfully put together different outfit combinations and used the photographs to aid us at the shoot the next day.
What next?
After this meeting we decided that our main priority would be to sort out arrangements for hair and makeup for our model.
We used my flatmate Kerry to model the garments, and took photographs of her in the items, as a dancer Kerry was very slim and had a model-like figure. We therefore could get a gist of what the clothes would hang like etc.
We managed to successfully put together different outfit combinations and used the photographs to aid us at the shoot the next day.
What next?
After this meeting we decided that our main priority would be to sort out arrangements for hair and makeup for our model.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Considering other options:
Last night we started to think very logically, bearing in mind the length of time we have left to get sorted – very minimal. We therefore referred back to the key word ‘London’, and started to consider exactly what it was that inspired us. Research took me to look at Madam Tussauds.
This is a key point of tourist attraction in London. This inspired Steven to consider that we could use a mannequin, as opposed to a model, and really work with the whole idea of affordable yet attainable fashion.
A mannequin would be the perfect concoction of this. Jess believed that this could look like a shop window display, and therefore wasn’t too keen on the idea; however we had to consider that a magazine is literally a window into your future self, it deals with concepts of aspiration through inspiration.
A mannequin is the best way to show such an edgy trend, as some models may not be comfortable with exposing flesh and with clothes being as revealing as we ideally require.
What next?
As a group we have decided that Sunday is the deadline for finding a model (this is the end of today), otherwise it falls down to two options; using a mannequin, or rearranging the shoot.
This is a key point of tourist attraction in London. This inspired Steven to consider that we could use a mannequin, as opposed to a model, and really work with the whole idea of affordable yet attainable fashion.
A mannequin would be the perfect concoction of this. Jess believed that this could look like a shop window display, and therefore wasn’t too keen on the idea; however we had to consider that a magazine is literally a window into your future self, it deals with concepts of aspiration through inspiration.
A mannequin is the best way to show such an edgy trend, as some models may not be comfortable with exposing flesh and with clothes being as revealing as we ideally require.
What next?
As a group we have decided that Sunday is the deadline for finding a model (this is the end of today), otherwise it falls down to two options; using a mannequin, or rearranging the shoot.
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Efforts to communicate with the model
Today I made further investigation into our potential model. I found out that her name is Jennifer Louise Colvin. Martin has made efforts to contact Jennifer, so far only resulting in one reply.
I therefore decided that, as we really want this model, we have nothing to lose in this situation if we put great pressure on her, and almost convince her to comply, we may also have to come up with some incentive other than just that option of having the standard shots.
We needed to find out the models shoe size in order to reserve the boots at Newlook – yesterday we saw some really really good ones, but obviously could not borrow these as there would be no point guesstimating shoe size.
We also needed to explore options for hair and makeup. Hair salons are closed on Mondays, predominently, therefore it is absolutely imperative that we sort this out tomorrow – although that is also a risk as it will fall on a Sunday.
With regards to makeup, beauty counters in boots and deparment store Debenhams have experts who can do the makeup for customers, therefore we could enquire whether these would be able to sort out the makeup for the shoot, possibly offering photographs for any makeup portfolios they may have.
We have decided we would like quite a naturalistic look, therefore we would not require anything too extravant – these makeup counters always seem to produce more toned down and natural looks anyway, so this is definitely achievable.
What next?
Enquiries must be made into hair and makeup, and efforts to contact the model must be focussed on.
I therefore decided that, as we really want this model, we have nothing to lose in this situation if we put great pressure on her, and almost convince her to comply, we may also have to come up with some incentive other than just that option of having the standard shots.
We needed to find out the models shoe size in order to reserve the boots at Newlook – yesterday we saw some really really good ones, but obviously could not borrow these as there would be no point guesstimating shoe size.
We also needed to explore options for hair and makeup. Hair salons are closed on Mondays, predominently, therefore it is absolutely imperative that we sort this out tomorrow – although that is also a risk as it will fall on a Sunday.
With regards to makeup, beauty counters in boots and deparment store Debenhams have experts who can do the makeup for customers, therefore we could enquire whether these would be able to sort out the makeup for the shoot, possibly offering photographs for any makeup portfolios they may have.
We have decided we would like quite a naturalistic look, therefore we would not require anything too extravant – these makeup counters always seem to produce more toned down and natural looks anyway, so this is definitely achievable.
What next?
Enquiries must be made into hair and makeup, and efforts to contact the model must be focussed on.
Sourcing the attire:
Yesterday, Friday 4th December 2009, I met with Martin and Jess to go garment sourcing. Martin has close connection with Oxfam Vintage as an ex-employer, and I have connections with Newlook, currently being employed by them. Having established our look, with the two main components ‘black’ and ‘fur’, we went in search for anything that might be plausible.
In Oxfam we sourced three fur items and a fur hat, which we felt would be ideal for a close-up shot.
In Newlook we filled in a form for a fashion show record, and took out items including:
A studded leather jacket, sequin leggings, a lace button-up top which we considered styling on reverse – with the buttons being used as a front fastening, a sequin jacket, a nude lace skirt, lace leggings and lace headbands. We also borrowed belts and pearl accessories, including bracelets.
At the moment we were still waiting for a reply from the model – therefore our group was on tenterhooks. We did, however, decide that we did not want a model larger than a size 8 in the ideal world, as this suited our image best. Therefore we sourced the clothing based on this small size.
The clothing should be returned by the day after the shoot, the Wednesday. Today I set about photographing and annotating the items to come up with any possibilities for outfit combinations, inspirations for props and components.
What next?
We must really push on with finding/securing the model. The shoot is only a matter of days away and it is imperative that this is secured and that the model is completely comfortable with everything we have planned for her.
In Oxfam we sourced three fur items and a fur hat, which we felt would be ideal for a close-up shot.
In Newlook we filled in a form for a fashion show record, and took out items including:
A studded leather jacket, sequin leggings, a lace button-up top which we considered styling on reverse – with the buttons being used as a front fastening, a sequin jacket, a nude lace skirt, lace leggings and lace headbands. We also borrowed belts and pearl accessories, including bracelets.
At the moment we were still waiting for a reply from the model – therefore our group was on tenterhooks. We did, however, decide that we did not want a model larger than a size 8 in the ideal world, as this suited our image best. Therefore we sourced the clothing based on this small size.
The clothing should be returned by the day after the shoot, the Wednesday. Today I set about photographing and annotating the items to come up with any possibilities for outfit combinations, inspirations for props and components.
What next?
We must really push on with finding/securing the model. The shoot is only a matter of days away and it is imperative that this is secured and that the model is completely comfortable with everything we have planned for her.
Friday, 4 December 2009
Our first meeting (1st December)
On Tuesday 1st December Steven, Kirsty and I met in the library to discuss our progress so far. In our last meeting we had stated that we would bring with us any research we had done to date. We all had magazine tears and fabric swatches which we discussed in terms of suitability – eliminating some fabric types based on our publication, and deciding that some were very fundamental to the shoot.
We decided that we would use Poppy Waters as our model IF we could not find another. Poppy was therefore a standby; however the group were all set on a red head model – which of course narrows the field drastically, yet this was our ideal and preferred image. We decided that in the worse case scenario we could use a wig to achieve the look we desired.
After the meeting myself and Stephen met with Martin and Jess to discuss our progress, we all came to the conclusion that sourcing a model was absolutely our main priority here, and that the trend could almost be inspired by our choice and therefore follow suit.
What next?
Martin stated that he has seen the ideal model in Victoria Building – we must locate this student!
We decided that we would use Poppy Waters as our model IF we could not find another. Poppy was therefore a standby; however the group were all set on a red head model – which of course narrows the field drastically, yet this was our ideal and preferred image. We decided that in the worse case scenario we could use a wig to achieve the look we desired.
After the meeting myself and Stephen met with Martin and Jess to discuss our progress, we all came to the conclusion that sourcing a model was absolutely our main priority here, and that the trend could almost be inspired by our choice and therefore follow suit.
What next?
Martin stated that he has seen the ideal model in Victoria Building – we must locate this student!
Receiving the Brief:
The group received this brief on Thursday 26th November 2009. Research has take place prior to this blog entry, but it has only been possible to create the blog now.
The aims of this brief are to develop research skills and brain storming in groups, to develop the use of photography within Fashion and Brad, to enhance presentation techniques, and to develop team working skills.
It initially became necessary to look at promotional adverts and displays as these commonly use the medium of photography. We were given two briefs to choose between; a; London Girl, and b; Grunge.
As a group we decided to go for London Girl, as we felt this had great leeway to be manipulated into whatever we desired, as initially we had to decide what ‘london girl’ was to us.
Initial research to me to the A/W09 catwalk shows for inspiration; we gradually found a look that we were to base this trend around.
We visited the lookbook feature on Style.com to help gain inspiration for creating look boards. We decided that we would use the idea that Glamour used in creating an attainable yet aspirational fashion shoot.
When presenting the final work, we should show clear evidence of photographic manipulation, retouching, airbrushing etc. Before and after images will successfully help convey this as evidence in the submission. The final photographs should be appropriate for a minimum of 5 appropriate publications.
On receiving the brief we booked the studio out for Tuesday 8th December, at the time of writing this is not far away, therefore we need to move quickly to secure the fine details of the shoot.
What next?
We need to secure the model and source clothing.
The aims of this brief are to develop research skills and brain storming in groups, to develop the use of photography within Fashion and Brad, to enhance presentation techniques, and to develop team working skills.
It initially became necessary to look at promotional adverts and displays as these commonly use the medium of photography. We were given two briefs to choose between; a; London Girl, and b; Grunge.
As a group we decided to go for London Girl, as we felt this had great leeway to be manipulated into whatever we desired, as initially we had to decide what ‘london girl’ was to us.
Initial research to me to the A/W09 catwalk shows for inspiration; we gradually found a look that we were to base this trend around.
We visited the lookbook feature on Style.com to help gain inspiration for creating look boards. We decided that we would use the idea that Glamour used in creating an attainable yet aspirational fashion shoot.
When presenting the final work, we should show clear evidence of photographic manipulation, retouching, airbrushing etc. Before and after images will successfully help convey this as evidence in the submission. The final photographs should be appropriate for a minimum of 5 appropriate publications.
On receiving the brief we booked the studio out for Tuesday 8th December, at the time of writing this is not far away, therefore we need to move quickly to secure the fine details of the shoot.
What next?
We need to secure the model and source clothing.
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