Updated Proposal

These are the images from my research so far in this project so far that I feel have driven me down this chosen route.

I have chosen to rewrite m proposals I feel the direction of my project has changed a lot since the beginning of this project. Not only have I moved away from editorial and reportage but the actual concept of my work has moved on too and the applications are going to be slightly different. 

Project Rationale. (what do you intend to do and why?)

I intend to produce a product range that inspires people to bring nature and natural themes into their homes. The range will span across home ware and stationary. Stress and mental health issues are an increasing problem among young adults and being exposed to nature is said to help combat this. I feel this is particularly relevant to those living in the city as they have very little access to nature at all and are probably experiencing a high stress environment around them. Studies have shown that people who experience nature indoors tend to be more conscious about the environment as a whole and this is a something that needs promoting in modern day as the world becomes increasingly urbanized and nature is under threat. It is also said to increase work productivity and learning. My aim with this project is to bring the ‘experience’ of nature into the home through my designs. I intend for some of my products to serve a purpose of reducing stress but some will be more decorative and about the experience. The product range I am proposing includes: Stationary – notebooks, diaries, bookmarks, postcards, greetings cards, giftwrap. Home ware – wallpaper, cushions, bags, mugs, candles, soaps, bath salts/bombs, pots/containers. This may change throughout the process.

THEMES / SUBJECTS What Themes/Subjects will form the content of your work for this module? This should include Theoretical and non- creative based content and concerns. This section should identify your consideration of the social, cultural, ethical and creative concerns of contemporary practice

GENERAL THEMES: Nature, natural forms, design, sustainability, trends, environment, lifestyle, science, health, mental health, plant life, flowers, happiness, urbanization, relaxation, meditation, the outdoors, home ware, stationery. SPECIFIC SUBJECTS: Interior design, compatibility, cognitive learning, productivity, well being, fashion, sustainable design, environmentally conscious materials, ethics, relaxing locations, calm, colour psychology.

PRACTICAL & CONCEPTUAL APPLICATION

SPECIFIC DISCIPLINARY AREA: Product and packaging. AUDIENCE/CONTEXTS: Young people, first time buyers, renters, students, young professionals, young families, self employed, people working from home, people living in accommodation with no outside space, people with little experience of the countryside, people suffering with stress, anxiety or other mental health issues. Also people who do live in natural surroundings and want to bring their outdoor experience indoors. PRODUCTION / Distribution Methods: Homeware shops and catalogues, magazine features, appropriate high street chains and department stores, garden centres, gift shops, independent shops, craft fairs, student unions, online, social media, pop up events/exhibitions. This seems like a wide range but the intention would be to start off small and move up the ladder as the brand gained recognition and momentum.

CONTEXTUAL REFERENCES Identify areas of professional/creative practices that will inform the contextualization of the work that you produce. This should include specific illustrators, studios, practitioner’s and products as well as broader creative disciplines and methods of Production / Distribution.

ILLUSTRATORS / DESIGNERS / STUDIOS: Julia Rothman, Leah Goren, Susie Wright, Mia Dunton, Barry Small, Christina Hart-Davies, Anthropologie, Oh Deer, The Pocket Garden, Wacamole Ceramic, Atelier Stella, Shino Takeda Ceramic, The Plant Room, The Jungalow, John Franzen, Lisa Congdon,

CREATIVE SKILLS

The existing skills I wish to develop and improve include my observation drawing skills, these will be particularly important when gathering initial visual information to work with for the duration of my project. I want to improve my use of both dry and wet media, particularly trying to push my ink work and apply it to my work in new ways. Colour is something I want to research into to make sure my choices are appropriate to the tone of voice. Some new skills I want to develop during this project include the making of 3D products, this could involve learning new skills such as ceramics and more advanced bookbinding techniques. I also want to learn more about photography so that I can photograph my outcomes well and present them as professionally finished pieces.

KEY TEXTS.  You should include a list of relevant websites

Design with Nature – by Ian L. McHarg City of Flows: Modernity, Nature and the City – by Maria Kaika ‘A Surprising New Nature Oasis In The Heart Of New York City: 1 Hotel Central Park’ – by Ann Abel for Forbes. From Davos: Unleashing The Power Of Nature In Cities – by Mark Tercek ‘Mapped: The World’s Most Urbanised Countries’ – by Oliver Smith for the Telegraph ‘The 7 Best Houseplants for Beginners’ – by Jon VanZile for about.com ‘Program Gets Schoolchildren Out Into Nature’ – The Buffalo News ‘Even Short Engagements With Nature Boost Productivity’ – by Olivia Burkeman for The Guardian / businessinsider.com. Urban Jungle Bloggers - http://www.urbanjunglebloggers.com/about/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

I am keen to learn about where my products will fit in the market and what will make them sellable. I think I need to gain a better understanding of the market I am trying to enter.

Project Planner

1	Module Briefing Studio Brief 1 Research & Proposal
2
3
4	Proposal Submission
5	Studio Brief 2 Development & Production
6
7
8	EASTER
9
10
11
12		Last stages of development work. Making of final imagery.
13	Studio Brief 3*	Work on final imagery. Print any final pieces in digital print / print room. Applying to products.
14		Applying to products. Work on the presentation of my work in preparation for final crit. Any catching up on blogging and evaluation.
15	Module Submission 09/ 05 / 2016	Ensure everything is ready for submission.