Individual Task - Evaluation Question II

Individual Task - Evaluation Question I

Individual Task - Ancillary Post Production Questionnaire Results

Individual Task - Post Production Questionnaire Preparation

Here are few screen shots demonstrating my preparation of gaining feedback of my products. Within this week I will try to reach to various audience through online and paper surveys. I started off by contracting the questionnaire on the Survey Monkey website. This will allow me to reach to random audience as the survey will be open to public. Besides, from that I have sent an email with a link to the questionnaire in my year group. This will definitely help me to gain responses from young adults who's the product is targeted at. Finally, I will also carry out a paper questionnaire. This sources of feedback will definitely help me with my evaluation and finding way to improve it. My questions focus on making final conclusions about the product, ways to improve it, as well as analyzing what's successful. 

Individual Task - Advert Final Outcome

Individual Task - Digipak Final Outcome

Individual Task - Construction of digipak & advert

Individual Task - Spoken Feedback For Ancillary Task

SCRIPT:

SPOKEN QUESTIONNAIRE FEEDBACK  FOCUSING ON DIGIPAK AND AN ADVERT DESIGN 

Today I will be discussing my spoken questionnaire feedback which will significantly help me with the making process of my digipak and advert. My aim was to discover what my audience wants to see within the design. These results will then help me to make final decisions for my production. 

My first question was was focused around the choice of font. I have shown my respondents a selection of fonts from my research. I have asked the respondents to identify one bold and one non-bold font from a selection of 8 different font types. The answers to this question were quite clear. The majority of the respondents have identified a bold font called 'Monofonto' as more successful and a non-bold font called 'Secret Code'. I am quite happy with this result as it will allow me to create a successful combination of both fonts, which will allow me to experiment with importance of text. 

My second question was based on my initial ideas which I have demonstrated in my last post. My aim was to investigate what my audience is expecting to see on the front cover design. I have shown the respondents my typography development with an image overlay, which created a color spectrum that would dominate within a plain colored background. My second design was also focused on image overlay of twigs, however within a shape of a heart. My respondents were not quite focused on one idea, however the simplicity of the text design brought much more attention. During the conversations I have developed an idea of complementing natural form of the twigs and leaves to the typography design, however to the back cover of the album. This element would add more movement to the page, making the song titles placed along the left side more engaging as the twigs will successfully flow towards the writing. This is something I am going to experiment during my construction. Besides, from that the respondents really liked the idea of colour spectrum within the typography which clearly reinforced progressive house genre. This is something that has lacked in other design which was mainly dominated by bright reds and pink. 

Another question aimed at my audience was based on the album title. I was considering using the song title as the album name, however I didn't want to go against the codes and conventions of progressive house, as this music genre tends to put the featuring song at the bottom of the album title, following the logo of the artist. My title proposal was focused around three different titles : 'Atmosphere', 'Spectrum' and 'True Colors'. The number of responses for this question was balanced. This will allow me to be more experimental with the positioning combination and the break down of letters. Depending on how each composition will look like and how much space it's going to take, I will make my decision then. 

In my final question I wanted my audience to help me identify song titles which would build up connotations around the nature of young adults. I have created a proposal list of all song titles. I created a conclusion of 11 song titles. This is an average number which is applied to progressive house albums. The following titles are :

1. Beautiful Now ft. Jon Bellion 
2. Stay the Night 
3. True Colors
4. Clarity
5. Wake Me Up
6. Levels 
7. For A Better Day
8. Feeling Good 
9. Dancing In My Head 
10. I'm Not Alone 
11. Flashback

My aim was to choose a selection of song titled which will create a link between my digipak and the music video itself. Titles such as 'Beautiful Now' , 'Wake Me Up', 'Dancing In My Head' or 'Flashback' significantly create an image of the music video narrative. I think this is quite effective as featuring song of 'Beautiful Now' would then set a mood to the whole album which is usually the case. 

To conclude, the spoken questionnaire has helped me to make my ideas more clear at the same time meeting audience's expectations of what they want to see within the digipak and the advert design. My next stage will be focused on visualising these ideas and experimenting to create a final product. 

Individual Task - Visualizing & Developing Initial Ideas Using Editing Software

Within this post I will present some of my development and experiments of my initial ideas using Ipiccy program and Adobe Photoshop. This task significantly helped me to develop my thoughts and visualise my ideas. 

This is a screenshot demonstrating development process of twigs close up. I started off by cropping the photograph to the size of the front cover, condensing the composition to a specific section. I have then played around with contrast and light exposure in order to reinforce and sharpen the line composition. I have then experimented with colour range, allowing me to reinforce my genre through abstract design as well as vibrant colour scheme. I decided to experiment with pink colour scheme as it's often used within progressive house genre. At the same time the composition strongly reminded me of human veins, creating a link to the fast beat and tempo of progressive house. While the tones of pink significantly reinforce that. I have then applied various textures as an experiment. This also worked quite well after brightening process allowing me to make the composition more subtle. Below I have included my experimental shots with various colour schemes and backgrounds:

In order to reinforce the idea of human veins even further I decided to change the composition into the red range. This worked particularly well on the while background highlighting the detail, rough texture and flow of the twigs. Besides, from that I have contrasted the composition and sharpen it to reinforce the lines. I think this would be successful background for a front or back cover although the composition is quite simplistic. This is something I will consider during my further development. 

Within the next trial I have worked on adding colourful background within the veins. I definitely wanted to create a sense of fade or ombre. This worked quite well slightly fading away the abstract composition which would effectively work with typography on top. 

This is final trial where I made the background much stronger, creating more flat surface. This again could effectively work with the use of typography, however I feel like this composition is too bright and busy. I would definitely develop it by adding a layer of paint which would make the colours less intense in colour. I am less likely to use this particular scheme, however I might develop it as an overlay for typography, allowing the text to stand out even more. I will still consider this decision. 

My next approach to the development of abstract twig design was to overlay it within a shape. I decided to focus it within the heart shape inspired by one of Zedd's album covers. I have particularly chosen a broken down design of a heart as geometrical shapes and patterns are often seen within house genre, for example triangles. In order to add the heart more dimensional and illusionistic I have overlay my photograph of twigs. This worked quite well adding tones and random lines to the heart. I feel like this kind of design would work successfully on a bright, plain background reinforcing the music genre even further. It was work especially well within the front cover along with simplistic typography, while the geometrical breakdown of heart shape or twig design could continuously follow to the back or inside of the digipak. 

My next editorial was focused on the natural maze photograph. My inspiration for this location was based on our music video but also the use of maze in our music genre within artist's such as 'Years&Years'. My only worry about this composition was the lack of height which created limited frame to be captured. I have chosen the best photograph which I have then cropped in order to obtain stronger lines through shadows but also to reinforce the sense of confusion. I started off by manipulating the image by adding experimental light exposure designs. This was effective as it added colour range to the composition at the same time reinforcing rough texture.  I have saved this edit as an image. 

Furthermore, I have experimented with 'pop art' effect which delicately distorted the composition in an abstract way. The use of this effect separated the composition into four sections, while the colour scheme was manipulated randomly. I have then searched for a similar tool which would allow me choose my own colour scheme. I have selected a pink colour range. This worked quite well, reinforcing depth of the maze trough strong highlights and shadows, at the same time strongly reinforcing rough and spiky texture. 

As I discussed in my previous post I decided to move my photographs forward by creating an overlay of my image within typography context. I have selected the maze photograph from the screenshot above which has a strong colour range. This technique can be often seen within progressive house genre, especially on a plain background. I really like the idea of simplicity which at the same time is really effective. Using Photoshop I have experimented with bold font which would emphasise the colour scheme as well as texture of the image. Besides,from that this effect successfully matches the representation of the audience. The colour range significantly reflects their dynamic nature, energy at the same time reflecting fast beat of the progressive house genre. 

Final experiment was based on creating another overlay for the text. This time I have chosen pink version of the maze photograph. I have overlay this within the same font, however two different backgrounds. Within the white background (which is used more within this genre) the font was fading away, the text composition wasn't very expressive, especially comparing to the black background which made the typography bold and clear. This is an element which I will consider during my construction. I could significantly challenge the codes and conventions of this element, however looking back at my current development I feel like the colourful overlay above suits the genre and the audience the most. I will re-ensure my decisions through a spoken questionnaire. 

Individual Task - Initial Ideas, Inspiration & Practise Shots

MOOD BOARD

This is a mood board which I created in order to highlight by biggest inspirations. I have selected various designs all from progressive house genre. This selection of album and poster designs has already influenced by within the contraction process of my magazine in relation to the ancillary task. I have been looking throughout our location journeys at compositions which will influence my own designs. Within the mood board I have been particularly interested in the maze design of band 'Years and Years'. This strongly linked to our product as we have used a natural maze location within our video. Another thought I have kept in mind is the use of rich color scheme full of vibrant tones, delicate and flowing smoke but also various textures. Within the photograph shots my aim was to keep the composition simple in order to develop it digitally.

PRACTICE SHOTS DURING FILMING

This is a first set of primary photographs which I have captured during our filming process. I have particularly focused on primary compositions which will allow me to develop my editing skills. 

• NATURAL MAZE: The first location was based around the natural maze in Perivale. My aim was to capture the shape of the maze revealing and reinforcing the sense of confusion and journey. One problem which I have found within this location was the height. I wasn't able to capture full form of the maze. To challenge this problem I have climbed up to the tend located at the middle of the maze. This helped to create high angle shots. My intention of using the maze within my ancillary task was particularly inspired by the 'Years & Years' album cover titled 'Communion' which can be seen above within my mood board. Besides, from that I thought it would link really well with the subject of our product and involvement of this location. Within the development I am planning to implement abstract color scheme, manipulate the texture and form of the composition. I am strongly considering cropping and rotating the images in order to reinforce and highlight the shape and use of lines. 

• TWIGS AND LEAVES:

1. Another approach to my photography was focused on zoom in shots abstract and tangled twigs and leaves. Firstly, I have captured twigs on a brick background which created sense of confusion. My initial through was to develop the photograph by applying color into the gaps, creating an impression of a collage. This would successfully complement with the progressive house genre which is dominated by various textures, geometrical breakdown and rich color schemes. Besides, from that I want to try complementing the close up shots of twigs within fuller shape such as heart. This will successfully add shape and pattern. 






2. Within the journey I have also focused on capturing the leaves and twigs within a plain background. The light exposure of the sky has significantly allowed me to capture the natural movement of a growing tree. I really like these photographs as I think they would successfully suit within the back cover of my digipak, creating clear space for the song titles. I was particularly inspired by Zedd's cover from the album 'True Colors' where the composition is successfully fading within the back cover. This use of natural form will strongly complement with the rough use of twigs, creating balanced composition. 

• TWIGS:Following from the previous set I wanted to capture the twig composition on a plain background, at the same time capturing a source of light. This worked really well as it complements with the progressive genre where designs often include sense of exposure for example; through smoke. At the same time the use of light allows to balance the composition bringing movement and flow to the overall arrangement. Within the development process I would want to focus on manipulating the colors and adding exaggerated effects for example of smoke. Besides, from that I would want to try to overlay the chaotic composition over typography. This effect is also often used within our genre, allowing to add color and texture to the composition, making it even more targeted at the genre at the same time reinforcing the impact on the typography. This use of typography is often used on plain backgrounds. The composition then becomes more modern and simple, bringing the theme of dynamic nature through the overlay. The example can be seen within 'Rudimental' album titled 'We The Generation'. 
• LANTERNS:As I have mentioned before the use of shape and form is quite important within the progressive house genre. This is how I developed my idea of capturing an image of lanterns within the Oxford Street location. Similarly, to the twigs I have taken the photographs looking up, obtaining strong light exposure from the light, allowing me to focus the composition on the circular shape. As an development I am considering applying light and color effects to bring out motion and movement. I think the use of colorful smoke effect coming our from the circular shape would work quite successfully reinforcing the genre. 

CONCLUSION

Within the next couple of days I will be focusing on gaining feedback from random audience, to make decisions about which direction I should go into. I will be also experimenting with Photoshop and other programs to visualize my initial thoughts and ideas. This will definitely help me and my respondents about the decisions. I will then follow their answers and opinions and start my construction process by next week. 

Individual Research - Typography

Group Work - Paper Questionnaire

Group Work - Social Media Feedback

During our planning and development we have created social media website for our artist. After creating our final product we have decided to upload the video in order to get more feedback from our audience. In order to reach to greater audience we have shared the final product on our Facebook accounts. 

After this process we will be continuously uploading screenshots from our gathered feedback. We will be focusing within a week to gather needed comments and improvements. 

2/02/16 

Already the same day after uploading the video on social  media we have gathered essential feedback, comments, shares and likes. It was quite exciting to see what other people think of our video and share their own opinions. Here are some screen shots demonstrating their feedback! 

This is a screenshot from my YouTube account where I uploaded our video. Within few hours we have gained 104 views which we haven't expected. Besides, from that we got some likes which have followed to Facebook page. 

This is a screenshot demonstrating the post from my Facebook page which our group has shares to their own profile pages. The use of social media has allowed us to gain feedback from various types of audience- people who we know but also friends of our friends and so on. The age range was open allowing the feedback to be more reliable. 

Here is a screenshot of some of the audience. Due to our polish ethnicity some of the comments were written in foreign language, although they were all positive of people being impressed by our work. Another comments varied from 'Love it' to '..You can't help but watch it to see what happens'. Others have been also giving their opinion about certain elements of their video such as 'I like the way you put two shots in the same cut, and it catches the audience's attention. Nice work.'

Overall, we are really happy with this kind of feedback as anyone is free to comment, like and give their opinion, allowing our work to be open to many different interpretations. Most of our feedback is positive giving us little space for improvement. In terms of this element we found the focus group more effective.  

Group Work - Focus Group Feedback

(Wear headphones for better sound quality)

This is a recording from our focus group feedback. We have collected individuals to answer our questionnaire and any additional information based on quite open questions. We have never gained this kind of feedback allowing us to reach different sources of audience. During this week we will also focus on hanging out paper questionnaires and sharing our video on social media. 

Within our focus group we had balanced ratio of female and male respondents. This allowed us to gain reliable feedback. The first question was based on identifying feelings portrayed throughout the music video. Our audience has included the feelings of : SADNESS, HAPPINESS, TRANSITION FROM ISOLATION TO FREEDOM. These answers significantly highlighted the intentions of our product, suggesting the youth and young adults not being emotionally stable. 

The second question was based on the ideas our character has portrayed about young people. One of the respondents has said that youth often tends to go to different paths which is not necessarily beneficial for them and then they tend to realize it. This is something we aimed to definitely portray within our video. We have highlighted this through the use of reflection towards the end of the video. 

The next question was based on identifying the best parts of the video by the audience. We wanted to find out which elements were most engaging and successful to different people. The audience has identified: 

- THE CHORUS (highlighted and reminded the audience the positive representation of the character)
- LINK BETWEEN THE AUDIO AND VISUALS ( We intentionally followed the theory of Andrew Goodwin of relationship between the lyrics and the visual in order to emphasize this effect. We are happy that this element was easy to follow by our audience).
-EDITING TECHNIQUES (DOUBLE EXPOSURE / OVERLAY  ''PROFESSIONAL'') Within this process we were really experimental with this element of the video as our initial idea was based on reversing the video. After various experiments we have selected two parts of the video to create an overlay where one elements was going forward and another one backwards. 

Then we wanted to investigate our use of media language of positive and negative connotations. Here we found important to us feedback. The respondents found the combination of negative and positive connotations quite balanced, although the representations were not extreme. This is an area we could definitely develop making our narrative even stronger through emphasis on the actress's actions. 

The final question was based on final conclusions and any space for improvement. 

- 'Effective use of editing techniques ... fast pace, tempo..'
- 'Good video'
- IMPROVEMENTS ( 'It was quite repetitive') within this element of the feedback we should definitely consider the use of more shots in order to make the video less repetitive, although some respondents found the repetition also effective due to keeping the continuity. 

Overall, we found the focus group feedback really effective as we could elaborate on the questions and respondents could extend their answers comfortably! 

Group Work- Music Video Final Outcome

This is final version of our music video. We have made improvements from the last post, working on final developments spotted within the first draft. Overall, we are really happy with the final outcome as we accomplished to finish in planned time scale. This week we are planning to gather feedback from our audience. We are going to start by gathering feedback through class screening where we will give out our questionnaires, then we will upload our music video on social media and finally create a focus group meeting. This will allow us to gain needed feedback from improvements from many different sources.  

Group Work - Use of Font / Typography in our music video

During our editing process we have considered the use of typography within our music video. We particularly wanted to apply the title of the artist and the song name at the beginning of our video within the foreground of the frame (in one of the corners). This will allow us to make our product more recognizable but also informative, allowing our audience to be able to search for the artist. This information is used throughout many music genres as it allows to make the promotion of the product much more effective. 

The choice of our font will be significantly influenced through the outcome of our logo design. Our research has shown that the progressive house genre mainly focuses around bold typography which is often simplistic but very eye-catching. The color is often kept simple varying from white, black or red. Here are some screenshots from our logo construction which supports our decisions. 

We have concluded to apply a white, bold font which would be emphasized along green background of the location appearing on the first shot of our video. The positioning will be aimed at the right bottom corner not to disturb the viewer from the narrative and engagement with the video. 

Another element which we are planning to complement within our composition is the copyright information which is applied at the ending of the music video following the codes and conventions of music industry. We are planning to end our video with a black screen which will follow the copyright information and our music record label name. We are planning to keep the typography white and bold in order to bring people's attention to it. Besides, from that we will try to keep the typography similar to the original Fly Eye Record followed by a copyright sign which we will obtain from the editing program. 

Here we have experimented with some of the fonts. Our aim was to make the typography consistent within the video. We are more likely to apply the same font at the beginning of the video and at the end. However, if we are not going to be happy with this effect we are planning to keep both information in white plain color which will significantly stand out along green as well as black background. 

Group Work - Music Video Draft 1

This is our first draft of our music video. During the rendering process we came across significant errors which included the narrative to not to as clear as we have expected it to be. This included the transition into the dream which we found was quite confusing. In order to fix this issue we decided to implement color scheme changes with the use of adjustment layers in Adobe Premier Elements. This will allow us to separate the approach of the dream and the dream itself. Another problem we came across was the lack of information at the beginning and at the end of the video. We are planning to introduce the artist and the song title at the beginning with the use of text and copyright information at the end to meet the codes and conventions of music videos. Finally, we have found that the video has exceeded in time due to rendering problems. This resulted in a black screen as well as unwanted shots to appear after the music has finished. We will challenge this problem by making sure that only selected 4 minutes of the video are rendered. If this problem appears again we will crop the video. 

Group Work - Editing Process (Audio)

Group Work - Editing Decision List