Brief Analysis - Ohh Deer

This was a brief I was interested in but I feel I have left it too late to get started on it because I have been focussing so much on my other modules and my zine. This is a lesson learnt already before even starting responsive properly, get organised! Working to deadlines doesn't mix well with being disorganised and putting things off. 

What is the problem?

Ohh Deer needs more cushion designs to add to their collection.

How do I aim to solve the problem?

Designing a cushion that appeal's to the site's audience and would fit in with their other current products. 

Consider what is in fashion this season and year, both in clothing and homeware. 

What will I be aiming to communicate?

The content would need to be appropriate for the home environment.  

I am not sure whether there is a clear need for a message to communicate here, the brief is so broad it could be anything. I would have to bring in my own restrictions to make the design process effective. 

Who is my audience?

Young adults, I would say it is a predominantly female audience. 

Also design buyers of leading brands who buy stock from this site, examples include Asos, Tate and Waterstones.

I like the idea of this brief and as pattern is something I enjoy working with, it would have been appropriate for me and would fit into my practice. However, the method of judging is based on sales and shares and likes on social media so a submission close to the deadline would severely hinder the chances of a design ranking anywhere near the top. Also, I think the way the competition works and the fact that the designer gets only 20% of the profit means that this is a way of the company making a lot of money very quickly without having to pay anything for the design and only parting with money when they are already making a profit. 

This is annoying for me because shops like this, particularly Paperchase, Urban Outfitters and Joy, are where I would love for my work to be sold. It is my own fault for not researching briefs earlier and getting started on things quicker, I think if I had done this I would have felt a lot more positive  and motivated about this brief.