How To Have An Idea

The purpose of this lecture was to give myself numerous pointers on 'How To Have An Idea', introducing possible ways to over come the infamous creative block, an issue every designer will have at some point in time.

Such methods were as followed:

- Mind Maps
- Moodboards
- Timelines
- Storyboards
- Brain Storming

The lecture also went on about how to generate new ideas with the use of recycling two or more older ideas and combining them into a hybrid form. This is done as it is rarely considered possible to truly develop an original idea, as we live in a world where most basic concepts have been already found and therefore todays modern design is a developed idea based on an older idea.

L.A.T.C.H 

The term L.A.T.C.H particularly caught my eye during the lecture as it focused on the core components of how we process our findings. L.A.T.C.H stands for;

Location - Alphabetical - Time - Category - Hierarchy

Way in which these aspects can be documented are through Time-lapse Video, Drawings, Sketches, Storyboard and animation.

The Four Stage Process Model

The four stage process model was created by Graham Wallas, in his book The Art of Thought (1926).

Screenshot From Presentation Document

"Graham Wallas believed the creative process could be described as a series of four stages:"

Preparation:

"The problem to be solved is carefully considered and resources are gathered in order to confront the task. The conscious mind is focused on the problem."

Incubation:

"Drawing upon these resources, consideration of the problem is internalized and becomes a largely subconscious activity. The mind makes connections more freely and abundantly."

Illumination:

"Possible solutions to the problem transition from subconscious to conscious thought. This is a moment of insight and optimism."

Verification:

 "Solutions are tested and may be applied if shown to be viable."

Information Sourced From Presentation Document - Found On Unlearn Learning Resources 

I really thought this process of thinking was quite well structured and allowed for a designer to truly refine his outcome by reverting to previous steps in order to fulfil the requirement of a brief or project. It is a simple structure but also an effective one.

Photoshop - Frame Animation Experimentation

Created on Adobe Photoshop CC

Photographs Taken Around The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

My Final Photoshop Animation

I decided to take it upon myself to get more acquainted with photoshop and explore other features which the program includes, which I have yet to experiment with. I then began browsing some tutorials when I stumbled upon Phlearn, a youtube based Photoshop and Photography tutorial series presented by Aaron Nace.

This particular tutorial gave me a step by step guide into the creation of a frame animation in photoshop. Using these skills I generated my own slide show appearance, showcasing photographs which I had taken on my trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Overall I am very happy with the outcome but like the video, I would like to add more minamal elements and possibly improving the way in which my photographs are displayed. For example a model holding a photograph, so that you can see their hands within the animation.

Tutorial Video Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvPSdmGgEeM

Photographs From My Photographic Archive
https://huduniassessmentportfoliojlh.wordpress.com/studio-practice/yorkshire-sculpture-park/

Reflective Writing

This seminar was designed to help break down the complications of reflective writing, such as the infamous writers block. As the lecture progressed I felt that the information gave me a much needed recap in my writing methods, whilst giving me the confidence to write much more productively, and allowed me to follow simple processes of generating what to talk about on my blog post and upcoming essays. I feel that it is always beneficial to have occasion recaps, to refresh and refine my writing skills.

The task in-which the group was set, was to use the information which was presented during the presentation and apply this in producing some reflective writing of a previous lecture, process and production or studio practice class, which would later be added to our blog. I decided to talk about my first drawing class with john and how we sketched different archtectural elements with a variety of different medias.

This is what I wrote for my blog during this short five minute task:

For my studio practical session I was asked to gather a range of primary drawing around key locations in the centre of huddersfield. These locations had distinct architectural building styles, which allowed myself to focus on key elements such as tone, texture and composition. I found the session to be rather enjoyable and felt like I had improved marginally with my understanding in my drawing skills.

Jordan L. Rodgers was a big influence during this practical session, this was apparent due to hevey focus on using a fine liner medium, although I did experiment with both charcoal and marker pens. In addition to this I also experimented by layering tracing paper, in an attempt to create a completely new image out of singular incomplete drawings. I wanted to explore the use of photography along side this, however I believe that I had taken on more than was able of myself as drawings isn’t a particular strong point of mine. In future I shall keep things much more simple, allowing me to complete tasks at a higher standard, rather than diluting my efforts to multiple medias at the same time.

 Something which I think that this activity missed, and could be incorporated at a later date, is to combine different medias 

With this additional information to help irradicate my doubts when writing, I have found that I can now produce a larger amount relevant writing for my blog.

Blog And Vimeo Account Setup

In order to both document work work for my modules it was essential that I setup both a blog and a Vimeo account. I found these tasks rather simple to preform as I have had experience in designing blogs for university portfolio earlier this year.

Blogger Setup

Firstly I constructed a blog on Blogger, which needed to both look relatively professional and include some key features in order for work to be marked properly at the end of the academic year. Some of these features included, labels, text boxes and link sections which would allow my blog to be user friendly for my peers. I decided to go with a rather minimal look, so that my blog felt clean and not quite over burdening to the eye, using colours such as red, black, grey and white creating a nice contrast of colours for the blog. My initial intention for the colour red was to keep important aspects of the blog difreenciated from standard context. An example of this would be the links to a website, which would be indicated in a red coloured type.

Something which was relatively new to myself was organising my data effectively, this was done with the use of labels. I was told that I needed a minamum amount of three labels, Contextual Portfolio, Studio Practice and Process And Production. However I felt the need to add additional labels, focusing on what particular medium the post maybe referring to, this would make it easier to distinguish between from different lectures and seminars.

When adding some personal touches I decided to apply a quote into my blog which related to my approach on design, whilst adding a bio and photograph of myself to help solidify my identity and my relation to the blog. Overall I am pleased with the outcome of the blog and feel that with a few more alterations along the way, it could become a very clear and consistent blog, with high visual elements, whilst remaining to have relevant context.

Vimeo Account Setup

The procedure for this section was relatively standard in the process of the modern day account setup.

Once I had created my account I added some basic information about myself and uploaded a picture, though I might produce a logo at some period in time, so that I can look more professional in correlation to other creative uses on Vimeo. I also took it upon myself to add some fellow students on the site, so that we could both critique others work and therefore create network, obtaining a range of influences.

Overall though I am relatively new to the idea of producing context and uploading to a video site, I feel that it will benefit myself as an designer and influence myself in producing additional content outside university projects.

Anchor Flat 1 - Kitchen Time-lapse

In response to student living and how others are forced together.

Created in Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2015

Anchor Flat 1 - Kitchen Time-lapse from Jordan Harnett on Vimeo.

Here is a short time-lapse I constructed as an experiment in response to Randy Halverson work, mainly on his 'Horizons' project, an artist which I discovered on Vimeo. I particular like his work because it captured a soothing sense of place, focusing on natural occurrences such as the starlit sky and the aurora borealis, I feel that his work is more art based and doesn't portray a strong visual message which is something which I am particular interested in doing.

Consequently instead of producing exceptional visuals and including audio, I decided to keep the video for documentary purposes and base the concept on student living, in addition to not include any effects or sound, however I may experiment further with this to have a better understanding with video editing software.

Horizons from Randy Halverson on Vimeo.