Today I went to Newlook to collect the clothes I had put behind for the photoshoot (Thursday).
I brought with me images taken from the internet of the Bratz dolls.
The idea was that I created characters which would narrate the way around the report.
I looked at the images for inspiration regarding makeup and styling.
I noticed that the lips on the Bratz dolls were the focal feature of the face, and the hair is styled - usually crimped or curled.
I chose three models: Hayley, Yasamin and Emily - each of these related to one of the Bratz dolls, either through ethnicity/skin tone, hair colouration or facial features.
When looking for clothes I selected those which were most in line with clothes the Bratz dolls would wear - it should be noted that these were not necessarily 'in trend' clothes, therefore I should look at charity shops and other locations for clothing.
In order to transform these models in to doll form I will experiment with using 'plastic wrap' a filter effect from the gallery in Photoshop. It should be noted that there are different intensities of these and I will experiment with which one creates the most 'artificial' effect.
The blog will be updated tomorrow once I have sifted through the outfits and decided which model will wear which items. I will post photographs if at all possible.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Monday, 29 November 2010
Primary Research
I considered whether there were any ways in which I could incorporate more primary research into my review.
I looked at LIMA as they linked to a lot of the figures and facts I was stating.
I sent out an email containing the following questions:
1. How important to a licensed character brand is the website?
2. What obstacles did you have to overcome to ensure that the website was friendly for both children and their parent/guardian
3. There is the option to register on this site, for example to watch the video clips. How does this benefit you?
4. What is your option of social media marketing for children’s animated characters?
5. How important is it to find an appropriate charity to support for an animated character – does this boost the reputation of the company?
6. From your experience with licensed characters are there any key ‘special events’ which really stand out for you? For example theme park visits etc.
7. Regarding the brand mascot - How important is this for you in creating a bond between children and character – and what special measures/training are put in place to ensure that there is a likeness in personality /actions between the genuine TV character, and the suited version?
8. Most licensed characters have a secondary audience in the respect that teens sometimes buy into the merchandise – how do you feel this came about? Is this ever worrying for a brand, or always considered a plus?
9. What is your experience with licensed characters joining forces with another brand?
10. What do you believe is your strongest form of promotion? Please explain
11. What do you believe is your weakest form of promotion? Please explain.
12. Have you/did you consider any Guerrilla marketing tactics?
I awaited a reply in anticipation and will update the blog once I have received one
I looked at LIMA as they linked to a lot of the figures and facts I was stating.
I sent out an email containing the following questions:
1. How important to a licensed character brand is the website?
2. What obstacles did you have to overcome to ensure that the website was friendly for both children and their parent/guardian
3. There is the option to register on this site, for example to watch the video clips. How does this benefit you?
4. What is your option of social media marketing for children’s animated characters?
5. How important is it to find an appropriate charity to support for an animated character – does this boost the reputation of the company?
6. From your experience with licensed characters are there any key ‘special events’ which really stand out for you? For example theme park visits etc.
7. Regarding the brand mascot - How important is this for you in creating a bond between children and character – and what special measures/training are put in place to ensure that there is a likeness in personality /actions between the genuine TV character, and the suited version?
8. Most licensed characters have a secondary audience in the respect that teens sometimes buy into the merchandise – how do you feel this came about? Is this ever worrying for a brand, or always considered a plus?
9. What is your experience with licensed characters joining forces with another brand?
10. What do you believe is your strongest form of promotion? Please explain
11. What do you believe is your weakest form of promotion? Please explain.
12. Have you/did you consider any Guerrilla marketing tactics?
I awaited a reply in anticipation and will update the blog once I have received one
Friday, 26 November 2010
Progress
I have made good progress today. First of all I confirmed the availability of the studio, and now have this booked out for Thursday morning.
This is for my 'bratz' style shoot. Therefore I must start looking at images of Bratz dolls online, and then taking this into highstreet retailers looking at the outfit combinations etc.
I have also been reading through my review sections, attempting to get the word count down, or considering ways in which the word count can be reduced.
I have made significant progress with the Bratz entry, which is now under 800 words, and the Peppa Pig entry, which is also around this number of words.
It is important that I continue to get the word count down, yet remembering that I have 10% leniency either way.
I have a meeting on Monday (4-5pm) with Wiser for a tutorial in which I will be going through my Simpsons and Ben10 review sections.
Once I have received this feed back I will go through those essays on Monday night, ensuring that they are all correctly referenced and that the word count is correct.
I therefore aim to spend the rest of this weekend ensuring that my review is correct with regards to content.
I will then book a tutorial for tuesday where I will learn how to format my review.
I should have a strong idea of the orientation in which I would like to present my review and should have wire frames to discuss the possibilities with.
Next, I should look for possible outfits and props for the shoot on Thursday.
I understand that I must have a form of insurance in which to borrow clothes from university with. I must enquire about this.
This is for my 'bratz' style shoot. Therefore I must start looking at images of Bratz dolls online, and then taking this into highstreet retailers looking at the outfit combinations etc.
I have also been reading through my review sections, attempting to get the word count down, or considering ways in which the word count can be reduced.
I have made significant progress with the Bratz entry, which is now under 800 words, and the Peppa Pig entry, which is also around this number of words.
It is important that I continue to get the word count down, yet remembering that I have 10% leniency either way.
I have a meeting on Monday (4-5pm) with Wiser for a tutorial in which I will be going through my Simpsons and Ben10 review sections.
Once I have received this feed back I will go through those essays on Monday night, ensuring that they are all correctly referenced and that the word count is correct.
I therefore aim to spend the rest of this weekend ensuring that my review is correct with regards to content.
I will then book a tutorial for tuesday where I will learn how to format my review.
I should have a strong idea of the orientation in which I would like to present my review and should have wire frames to discuss the possibilities with.
Next, I should look for possible outfits and props for the shoot on Thursday.
I understand that I must have a form of insurance in which to borrow clothes from university with. I must enquire about this.
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Trends
I visited WGSN and looked at futuristic trends for kidswear. This included knowledge of colour trend analysis, materials trend analysis, and colour palettes. I will take my new-found knowledge of this and tranfer this to the use of colour and style within my boards. I aim to create continuity throughout each section of my review, despite having very distinctive sections with their own unique identities such as Bratz and The Simpsons, for example. As I am dealing with dual genders I must consider ways in which I can make the colour scheme suited to both.
The next blog entry will discuss how I intend to overcome this.
The next blog entry will discuss how I intend to overcome this.
Model Progress
Today I discovered that you could purchase male Bratz dolls alongside the female ones. This further inspired me as to select a male model which would fit the bit. I found a model - Kevin Lee Essery, who was very willing to assist, and was physically well-suited to the role.
Inspiration regarding format
I looked at the image concoction on the link below and it inspired me as to how I could create interesting imagery using photographs of random images, close crops, and by teaming an object with a quirky background.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mexycan/376668942/
Key images which stood out for me as being particularly inspiring were the brightly coloured balls, the hand full of crayons, and the use of building blocks to build titles etc, the climbing frame in the park and such.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mexycan/376668942/
Key images which stood out for me as being particularly inspiring were the brightly coloured balls, the hand full of crayons, and the use of building blocks to build titles etc, the climbing frame in the park and such.
Finding an appropriate model
Today I went in search for people who I thought would be appropriate for modelling. In particular I considered the Bratz Doll shoot and finding females who I felt would suit this role particularly well.
I received an email response from Emily, whom I had worked with before. She said she would be willing to assist me with my project.
I received an email response from Emily, whom I had worked with before. She said she would be willing to assist me with my project.
Considering Format Continued
I continued to investigate ways in which I could format my work. I invesigated areas such as child modelling, and looked into how I would then go on to manipulate these images. I looked for different sources around Preston as to where I could enquire for child models. I also considered whether I would be able to use any props etc to enhance the outcome.
I will update the blog tomorrow with news of any progress.
I will update the blog tomorrow with news of any progress.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Considering Format
I consider ways in which I could create a 'child-like' feel.
I looked at different nurseries and playschools around Preston and considered the effects if I were to 'employ' children to make drawings of the characters, for example of Peppa Pig, Lisa Simpson etc.
This is a line of thought I am keen to follow up.
I looked at different nurseries and playschools around Preston and considered the effects if I were to 'employ' children to make drawings of the characters, for example of Peppa Pig, Lisa Simpson etc.
This is a line of thought I am keen to follow up.
Inspiration
http://www2.shidonni.com/v2/LandingPage.aspx?af=cw1rubbit160*600&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=rubbit&referral=members.outpost10f.com&gclid=CJvM2cewr6UCFYUe4QodaxoQYQ
The above site inspired me with regards to form and layout. I found it whilst looking on the SpongeBob site. It is highly interactive and created from a child's perspective. I like the way that the border is a palette from which the child can create work and drawings.
I also took inspiration from the use of characters and the child-like art work and considered if I could create something similar.
The above site inspired me with regards to form and layout. I found it whilst looking on the SpongeBob site. It is highly interactive and created from a child's perspective. I like the way that the border is a palette from which the child can create work and drawings.
I also took inspiration from the use of characters and the child-like art work and considered if I could create something similar.
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Drawing My Findings Regarding Format to a Close
The contents page must set the tone of the whole publication and introduce the users to the document structure and methods of navigation.
It should draw the viewer in and build anticipation for the content to follow.
The overall look of the review should be uniform for the viewer.
Some of the most effective formats analysed were simple in their organisation and interaction.
Keep navigational options and cross-links between sections to a minimum ensuring that viewers get to information quickly and efficiently without getting lost.
The navigational bar should be treated as a landmark for the viewer, allowing them to reorient themselves as they move through the review.
Finally, it is important to strike the perfect balance between aesthetics and information access.
It should draw the viewer in and build anticipation for the content to follow.
The overall look of the review should be uniform for the viewer.
Some of the most effective formats analysed were simple in their organisation and interaction.
Keep navigational options and cross-links between sections to a minimum ensuring that viewers get to information quickly and efficiently without getting lost.
The navigational bar should be treated as a landmark for the viewer, allowing them to reorient themselves as they move through the review.
Finally, it is important to strike the perfect balance between aesthetics and information access.
Discussing a Possible Format for My Report.
From the title page the viewer will move onto one of a number of subsections: Contents, Abbreviations, Executive Summary, Introduction and then the nine character pages.
A frame at the bottom of the page will offer navigational links within the current section, while the top frame supports navigation between the more distinct areas of the review, e.g. Contents page.
The main frame delivers content through a mixture of text and visuals in a non-scrolling template.
Reading should be the primary task and content should not be image-heavy: visuals will be used to support the text, and should not dominate.
There is a wise use of white space, ensuring that information can be perceived with ease. Despite being simple this format is successful as it includes those elements which are most important for communication.
My next task will be putting this into action, as well as constantly reviewing my progress with regards to the written aspect of the review.
A frame at the bottom of the page will offer navigational links within the current section, while the top frame supports navigation between the more distinct areas of the review, e.g. Contents page.
The main frame delivers content through a mixture of text and visuals in a non-scrolling template.
Reading should be the primary task and content should not be image-heavy: visuals will be used to support the text, and should not dominate.
There is a wise use of white space, ensuring that information can be perceived with ease. Despite being simple this format is successful as it includes those elements which are most important for communication.
My next task will be putting this into action, as well as constantly reviewing my progress with regards to the written aspect of the review.
Information Gained Regarding Formatting the Report Continued (2)
I visited The Simpson's website and learnt an effective way of communicating larger sections of text.
If was important that I understood the purpose of frames. These could be used to divide the review into separate regions.
I could continue to make use of tabs within each subsection of the review. Alternatively I could signpost the reader to sections manually e.g see section 5.2
Rather than using text on links I could use a coordinated set of colour-coded symbols. These colours should not be arbitrary, and should be intrinsically related to the site section. E.g. The Simpsons = yellow. Peppa Pig = pink. Ben10 = green etc.
Difficulties with this arise as both Spongebob and The Simpsons are yellow, likewise Peppa Pig and The Bratz both strongly use the colour pink. I was inspired by navigation on Postman Pat’s website which used icons of the characters to navigate the different areas.
Next - it is necessary for me to implement what I have learnt and to discuss a possible report structure - this will form the content of my next blog post.
If was important that I understood the purpose of frames. These could be used to divide the review into separate regions.
I could continue to make use of tabs within each subsection of the review. Alternatively I could signpost the reader to sections manually e.g see section 5.2
Rather than using text on links I could use a coordinated set of colour-coded symbols. These colours should not be arbitrary, and should be intrinsically related to the site section. E.g. The Simpsons = yellow. Peppa Pig = pink. Ben10 = green etc.
Difficulties with this arise as both Spongebob and The Simpsons are yellow, likewise Peppa Pig and The Bratz both strongly use the colour pink. I was inspired by navigation on Postman Pat’s website which used icons of the characters to navigate the different areas.
Next - it is necessary for me to implement what I have learnt and to discuss a possible report structure - this will form the content of my next blog post.
Information Gained Regarding Formatting the Report Continued
I have learnt that I must demonstrate a thoughtful balance of site architecture, navigational design, and the layout of particular pages.
Aesthetically I must convey a sense of visual sophistication, despite targeting my work at a young audience.
Once the size and shape of text/imagery regions have been decided – this should be applied consistently throughout. This will ensure that information is conveyed in an efficient manner.
I should use a senisble font and background colour. For example, regarding Ben10 it is still possible to convey the theme through the use of green for headers/footers without dominating the page using green as the background colour.
Moreover, it is important to consider background transparency if using colour or background motifs as the text should be legible.
Once again, I will reflect on the above before contributing further.
Aesthetically I must convey a sense of visual sophistication, despite targeting my work at a young audience.
Once the size and shape of text/imagery regions have been decided – this should be applied consistently throughout. This will ensure that information is conveyed in an efficient manner.
I should use a senisble font and background colour. For example, regarding Ben10 it is still possible to convey the theme through the use of green for headers/footers without dominating the page using green as the background colour.
Moreover, it is important to consider background transparency if using colour or background motifs as the text should be legible.
Once again, I will reflect on the above before contributing further.
Information Gained Regarding Formatting the Report
Today I presented my PowerPoint to the class.
It is necessary to consider what I learnt through doing so. Within the PowerPoint I discussed the following:
The subject of my review
How I will be segmenting my report
Inspiration and influences regarding format
Conclusion – determining key points for consideration
Below I have listed key points which I have learnt regarding formatting:
The navigational banner should be identifiable no matter which section of the review is being read, providing immediate access to all areas of the review.
I could use a clickable array of labelled icons which correspond to the major subdivisions of the review.
One key to the success is the limited number of links used to navigate.
Primary colours would do well to communicate the report subject.
Playful iconography and animation used whereby the images act as hyperlinks
After reflecting on the above I will post again, this time discussing the above details in more depth.
It is necessary to consider what I learnt through doing so. Within the PowerPoint I discussed the following:
The subject of my review
How I will be segmenting my report
Inspiration and influences regarding format
Conclusion – determining key points for consideration
Below I have listed key points which I have learnt regarding formatting:
The navigational banner should be identifiable no matter which section of the review is being read, providing immediate access to all areas of the review.
I could use a clickable array of labelled icons which correspond to the major subdivisions of the review.
One key to the success is the limited number of links used to navigate.
Primary colours would do well to communicate the report subject.
Playful iconography and animation used whereby the images act as hyperlinks
After reflecting on the above I will post again, this time discussing the above details in more depth.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Newfound Understanding
Through creating the PowerPoint I was alerted to several areas of consideration:
It would be useful if the banner indicated which part of the review is currently in view.
In web design there is a structure called the hierarchal tree. In this structure the users has the clear sense of moving up, down and across some information space.
The most important content should be included in both text and pictorial form.
Imagery should literally illustrate the article’s content.
A few navigational options, visible at the first glance. These are visually distinct from the primary content of the website.
This is an example of successful user interface design.
With regards to readability, both the typography, symbolism and colour should be considered.
Scannable layout - the content can be perceived with clarity as headings/subheadings/bullet points help make key areas distinctive.
Use the principle of focus well - draw the eye to the focal point.
As a user I felt in full control throughout navigation - it would be appropriate for me to use speech bubbles and callouts throughout my report to elaborate on key points, or to instruct the reader to visit a different section etc.
It would be useful if the banner indicated which part of the review is currently in view.
In web design there is a structure called the hierarchal tree. In this structure the users has the clear sense of moving up, down and across some information space.
The most important content should be included in both text and pictorial form.
Imagery should literally illustrate the article’s content.
A few navigational options, visible at the first glance. These are visually distinct from the primary content of the website.
This is an example of successful user interface design.
With regards to readability, both the typography, symbolism and colour should be considered.
Scannable layout - the content can be perceived with clarity as headings/subheadings/bullet points help make key areas distinctive.
Use the principle of focus well - draw the eye to the focal point.
As a user I felt in full control throughout navigation - it would be appropriate for me to use speech bubbles and callouts throughout my report to elaborate on key points, or to instruct the reader to visit a different section etc.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Working on the PowerPoint Presentation
From speaking to my course leader today I now understand that the PowerPoint must focus on the brands and which market levels they fall into, yet that the main focus of the report is the report format.
I am aware that I have six slides in which I must discuss how each page will look, for example the contents page, product, etc etc. I must discuss how much text I will be using, and also how many images I will be using per page.
The purpose for this is so that I do not gather unecessary amounts of texts/ an unecessary number of pictures.
I will include the comparison chart within the PowerPoint.
When concluding the report I will draw together the different options I have regarding formatting and state which one I will follow through with, and my reasons for this.
I may need to produce wire frames of each page, and annotate these in order to get my idea across effectively.
I will also include print screens of different websites I like etc, and evaluate why these are so successful and how I can implement certain features of this.
What next?
Tomorrow morning I will get started on physically producing this PowerPoint. I anticipate that this will take me the whole day, however I am prepared for this and have allowed time for this in my schedule. I will need cue cards as I will not have had a sufficient amount of time to learn the presentation off by heart. I will update the blog tomorrow to discuss my progress.
I am aware that I have six slides in which I must discuss how each page will look, for example the contents page, product, etc etc. I must discuss how much text I will be using, and also how many images I will be using per page.
The purpose for this is so that I do not gather unecessary amounts of texts/ an unecessary number of pictures.
I will include the comparison chart within the PowerPoint.
When concluding the report I will draw together the different options I have regarding formatting and state which one I will follow through with, and my reasons for this.
I may need to produce wire frames of each page, and annotate these in order to get my idea across effectively.
I will also include print screens of different websites I like etc, and evaluate why these are so successful and how I can implement certain features of this.
What next?
Tomorrow morning I will get started on physically producing this PowerPoint. I anticipate that this will take me the whole day, however I am prepared for this and have allowed time for this in my schedule. I will need cue cards as I will not have had a sufficient amount of time to learn the presentation off by heart. I will update the blog tomorrow to discuss my progress.
Monday, 15 November 2010
Comparison Chart Reflection
Yesterday I completed the comparison chart - today I have reflected on this and feel that my research is very nearly complete. I am, however, still awaiting primary research from representives from the licensees of a couple of the companies, yet if needs be I can continue to write up the report, and fill in the spaces/apply the quotations accordingly.
What next?
I am required to create a PowerPoint by Wednesday discussing the breakdown of my characters and the information I have found relating to each one. I will start on this PowerPoint tomorrow. I must think of this as a computerised version of the review, still keeping one point per slide as I would typically keep one point per paragraph.
What next?
I am required to create a PowerPoint by Wednesday discussing the breakdown of my characters and the information I have found relating to each one. I will start on this PowerPoint tomorrow. I must think of this as a computerised version of the review, still keeping one point per slide as I would typically keep one point per paragraph.
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Comparison Chart
Today I will ensure that the comparison chart I produced initially with six brands is completely up to date including correct information about all nine brands.
I will blog again later to discuss how simple/difficult this was, and any obstacles I had to overcome e.g. gaps in research.
I will blog again later to discuss how simple/difficult this was, and any obstacles I had to overcome e.g. gaps in research.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Considering Formatting the Report
Today I considered ways in which I could format the report. I have decided that I will use the characters such as Peppa Pig and SpongeBob in order to narrate the report. I will use speech bubbles and include information such as "see sections 8.2 for more information", or to ellaborate more with regards to different sections. This may also help me when controlling the word count, as it will help me keep this to a minimum.
I will likely use primary colours for the colour scheme as this will enable me to communicate a youthful theme. I want the subject of my report to be immediately noticeable as soon as the reader sees my report.
I will begin researching into colour psychology, and see if I can use any formatting ideas from the magazines I have been researching into.
I will likely use primary colours for the colour scheme as this will enable me to communicate a youthful theme. I want the subject of my report to be immediately noticeable as soon as the reader sees my report.
I will begin researching into colour psychology, and see if I can use any formatting ideas from the magazines I have been researching into.
Friday, 5 November 2010
Update
I am currently away from university for three weeks, participating in a reality television show.
Most of my days are occupied with styling and filming, however I find time in the evenings to write the report.
I am currently drafting various sections of this report, reading over them several times, and then sending them over to Wiser to see if they can assist with the grammatical side.
Although it is not possible to post daily blog updates, I will be sure to update the blog when I return home.
This will be a translation of a paper time log I have been using whilst I have been away.
This will show how much progress I have made with regards to the report. I am also aware that a PowerPoint presentation will have to be created for my return to university.
Most of my days are occupied with styling and filming, however I find time in the evenings to write the report.
I am currently drafting various sections of this report, reading over them several times, and then sending them over to Wiser to see if they can assist with the grammatical side.
Although it is not possible to post daily blog updates, I will be sure to update the blog when I return home.
This will be a translation of a paper time log I have been using whilst I have been away.
This will show how much progress I have made with regards to the report. I am also aware that a PowerPoint presentation will have to be created for my return to university.
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