6A2 - OUGD602 - Visiting Professional - Nick Deakin of Totally OK - Workshop

Nick Deakin - Totally OK 

- Nick has a studio called Totally OK based in Sheffield 
- He is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator
- Rather than branding himself, having a studio name has allowed him more freedom to do a variety of work 
- The idea of deconstruction within the workshop is used within the context of branding as to often take parts of a brand and reconstitute them to make a unique identity.
- He talked about how using physical techniques which require interaction stimulate you in a different way to computer based work which is stationary and more relaxed.

Workshop 

The aim of the workshop was to play with elements of typeface, deconstructing them and reconstructing them to make something new whilst seeing whether they retained the aesthetic of the original typefaces.

For the workshop we were given the task of drawing elements / characteristics of our choice of three different typefaces (Cooper, Baskerville and Futura). We then had to cut these out to form stencils in a piece of card. Using printing ink we had to use these elements to create something new.

Process Images:

With the first set of three designs I wanted to create a form with all the shapes combined to reflect the essence of the original typefaces in a new form. 

Overlapping the stencils for the Copper typeface created quite fluid, curved designs which combined nicely. The first prints came out quite cleanly so I tried to continue this effect with the other designs to maintain consistency.

Futura was much more angular leading to a more geometric form being created.

Having dot like shapes in both images created consistency across the designs. Combining the different elements of the typefaces created new symbol like forms, which was further emphasised by centering the designs within negative space.

 Finished Pieces:

(last two prints)

Other peoples work:

Interesting outcomes and techniques:

- Using large block forms allowed the composition of the pieces within the frame of the page to be more effective and impactful.

- Using the cutouts rather than the stencils allowed shapes to be created with multiple elements with a black background, which really stood out and created a bold design.

- Letting the ink fade while printing allowed gradients to be created with some people using this to create a shadow effect on shapes or the sense of layered depth between elements within their pieces creating a three dimensional feel to the work in a two dimensional format. 

- Some people were quite forceful with the printing technique which created atmosphere, impact and movement within combined elements.

- Using these elements were also an effective way of creating new stylised letter designs 

Things learnt:

- The simple technique of printing worked really well in generating lots of output in a short amount of time, these could then be refined and developed further.

- Being quick and trying things leads to happy accidents

- Not everything has to be refined initially 

- The techniques used here can easily be used within branding / identity projects as a way of creating logos and brand visuals etc.

http://www.totallyokay.co.uk/