AGDA

Australian Graphic Design Association Double Sided Foldout Poster The initial project brief from AGDA involved creating a double-sided foldout poster intended for student members. This poster aimed to explain and shed light on the workings of the Australian design industry. The front side of the poster was required to depict the journey of a graphic designer from a student to a creative director, highlighting potential workplaces at each stage. On the reverse side, the central focus was on the graphic designer, accompanied by an informative graphic illustrating their interactions with various support roles (like finished artists, studio managers) and industry suppliers (such as paper merchants and printers). The design's theme and style were at the designer's discretion, allowing for humor, seriousness, or even satirical commentary on the industry. The designer was expected to convey a specific message through their work, drawing insights from their research on AGDA and the Australian design landscape.

2018

Ideation & Thumbnails

Brainstorming and Thumbnail Sketches:

After thorough exploration of the Graphic Design industry, I delved into an unstoppable phase of ideation. I examined various paper folding techniques and their applicability to my project. Exploring the theme of growth, I envisioned a concept where the head of a student blooms with flora, symbolizing the journey of a student evolving into a designer. Another concept involved an animated illustration featuring a solitary design student at the center, accompanied by informative text around the image.

In addition, I toyed with the idea of a whimsical cartoon portraying the career progression of a designer. I experimented with designs focusing solely on typography, incorporating elements like a compass arrow and angles. I even contemplated using shoes as a metaphor for stepping into the real world of graphic design. Alongside these, I considered incorporating the phrase "so where to now?" and creating a visual narrative showcasing a designer's evolution from student to professional.

As my brainstorming continued, a multitude of ideas flowed into my imagination, each brimming with creative potential. Selecting a single concept became a challenging endeavor as they all held considerable creative merit.

As part of my creative journey, I embarked on a detailed process that involved crafting a moodboard brimming with captivating layouts and an array of color inspirations. I delved into a diverse collection of dynamic and spirited design compositions, seeking those that could vividly convey a sense of vitality and vigor. Amidst this exploration, the colour red emerged as an incredibly compelling choice, resonating deeply with my creative sensibilities.

A focal point that particularly captured my interest revolved around the intricate interplay of typographic dimensions which swiftly evolved into a central focal point for my project. I meticulously orchestrated the arrangement of information, employing a well-defined hierarchical structure that expertly directed attention to various junctures within the designer's career journey. Leveraging an assortment of both bold and delicate fonts, I strategically dispersed them throughout the layout to ensure an organic and coherent flow of information that remains easily comprehensible and reader-friendly. This thoughtful typographic choreography not only emphasizes the significance of different content sections but also nurtures a harmonious rhythm throughout the visual composition.

Layout and Colour Inspiration

Layout Development

Drawing from the rich wellspring of color and layout inspiration that I had meticulously gathered, I embarked on a creative journey to give shape to various iterations of layouts. These iterations were characterized by their dynamic angles, strategically placed arrows, and a captivating interplay of colors derived from the sources of inspiration I had collected. As I delved deeper into the process, the manipulation of typographical sizing emerged as a powerful tool in establishing a clear hierarchy of information, ensuring both legibility and an engaging visual flow.

In the pursuit of a captivating and well-rounded design, I made the deliberate choice to introduce an element of visual allure by incorporating a photographic focal point. This addition served to infuse the layout with a sense of concreteness and relatability, inviting viewers to connect on a more personal level with the content presented. To further enhance the poster's visual impact, I made the strategic decision to maintain a solid color backdrop on the reverse side. This choice not only provided a balanced visual contrast but also contributed to the overall coherence and professionalism of the final design.

By amalgamating these elements, I aimed to craft a design that not only communicates essential information but also engages and captivates the viewer, guiding them through a visually stimulating exploration of the designer's career journey.

Showcasing Two Distinct Takes on a Singular Concept: Concept 1 and Concept 2 below.