Week 1: Brief Analysis
The aim of this weeks lecture was to begin thinking of ideas for a self initiated project. The research material offered experience, example projects and advice from the following Creative Practitioners:
Christopher Miller - Offshore
Christoph Miller and Isobel Seiffert founded Offshore Studio, a Zurich-based design studio with a focus on editorial design, typography, visual storytelling, and image-making. They met during their studies in Zurich and officially established their studio in 2017. Their practice doesn't rely solely on commissioned work; they actively engage in self-initiated projects, often related to research and publications. These projects serve as a core aspect of their creative exploration. They manage a dynamic balance between self-initiated and commissioned projects, allowing them to delve into different creative fields. Christoph highlights the significance of patience and commitment, as seen in their long-term project, "Migrant journal." Overall, their journey underscores the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and the continuous pursuit of creative interests.
Veronice Fuerte - Hey
Veronica Fuerte, the founder of Hey studio in Barcelona, initially turned to self-initiated projects to build her portfolio when client work was scarce. Over time, these projects evolved, with some transitioning into commercial ventures. She values the creative development and exploration that self-initiated work allows, whether it stems from rejected client ideas or completely fresh starts.
Vince Frost, CEO of Frost Collective in Sydney, embarked on a personal project to address recurring life challenges, including wellness and mental health. Drawing from design principles used in his professional work, he applied them to his life and found positive results. This led to the creation of his book, "Design Your Life," which was a substantial undertaking alongside his regular business responsibilities. It eventually evolved into a brand with a podcast, allowing him to connect with diverse individuals and share their life stories.
These reflections highlight the transformative power of self-initiated projects, both personally and professionally. They demonstrate how such projects can start as a means to build a portfolio or address personal challenges and evolve into significant creative endeavors with commercial potential. They also emphasize the importance of seizing opportunities and using self-initiated projects as platforms for personal growth and community engagement.
Before beginning this new module, I had been exploring a variety of topics which interest me most. With this speculative brief in particular, I want to explore the evolution of design and technology within the live music touring and event scene. The live music event industry is growing and evolving at a rapid pace. There are an abundance of creative individuals I have always admired in this area and feel this project is a great opportunity for me to research their work further. From the research conducted I aim to design an immersive exhibition showcasing the evolution of the live concert experience. The overall aim of this exhibit is to educate by having a residency at the London Design Museum.
It is hoped the exhibit will celebrate not just the design but also the breakthroughs in engineering that have developed in live entertainment design, showcasing the most prominent pieces of production.
Early examples of live outdoor stage production would’ve been in the Flower Power 60’s, Stage design played no role or impact on the performance it didn’t need to. The stage setup was simple, focusing primarily on the music itself. Over the decades, this concept evolved, combining audial and visual technology giving the live performance more of a spectacle and immersive feel for its audience. Today, in concert productions, we witness the use of cutting-edge lighting, massive video displays, intricate stage designs, and special effects. This elevates live performances to a whole new level, captivating audiences with an immersive, multisensory experience that transcends the boundaries of imagination.
