Monday, 30 March 2009
Logo designs
I've been working on a black and white logo for the club based on the sign design posted earlier. I'll be making a colour version too but the black and white one could be used for making the rubber stamp and wax seal that we were discussing earlier. Here's an image of a few variants of the logo that I've put together:
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Promotion...
Oz and I discussed various ideas for promoting Theatre of the Divine yesterday... He has access to a 1950s open top Cadillac style car and suggested driving a couple of glamorous girls dressed up in burlesque cabaret costumes down Portobello Road and/or Camden High Street on the weekend before the opening night, handing out flyers and sprinking ticker tape...
I suggested getting some custom printed comdoms made with the Divine logo, date of the club and address of the theatre which we could hand out too, and Oz was very keen on the idea!
Britishcondoms.co.uk can custom print condoms... I'll forward the link to Oz and see what he thinks!
An American company can even make custom printed condom lolipops for you!
Maybe that'd be a little bit too rude...
I suggested getting some custom printed comdoms made with the Divine logo, date of the club and address of the theatre which we could hand out too, and Oz was very keen on the idea!
Britishcondoms.co.uk can custom print condoms... I'll forward the link to Oz and see what he thinks!
An American company can even make custom printed condom lolipops for you!
Maybe that'd be a little bit too rude...
Second meeting with club organiser
I met with Oz Best, the club organiser yesterday, and showed him my design for the sign. He seems to really really like it, which is great! So much so, in fact that he now wants me to pretty much take over designing flyers and invitations for the club. He's had a few ideas already which he showed me but doesn't know how to use Photoshop or any of the design programs so I'm going to help recreate some of his ideas and also integrate a logo based on the sacred heart sign which I'm currently working on. The logo could also be made into a rubber stamp and/or wax seal used to customise invitations.
Oz has also told me that due to some over-booking at the theatre our opening night (currently booked for the 4th of May) might have to be postponed to late May or early June - this would suit me very well as it would allow more time to ensure that the sign is manufactured perfectly and to work on the other promotional designs for the club. He's going to let me know what's been decided as soon as he can.
Just to be on the safe side I have told Imageworx that I need the sign to be finished by the 1st of May so that if the opening night date doesn't change I'll still have it ready. Luckily they don't seem to think this would be a problem even after I explained in a lot of demanding detail exactly what I want - even if I do have to have it ready for the 4th of May it seems I won't have to compromise on the finish and full function of the sign, which is good to know.
Oz has also told me that due to some over-booking at the theatre our opening night (currently booked for the 4th of May) might have to be postponed to late May or early June - this would suit me very well as it would allow more time to ensure that the sign is manufactured perfectly and to work on the other promotional designs for the club. He's going to let me know what's been decided as soon as he can.
Just to be on the safe side I have told Imageworx that I need the sign to be finished by the 1st of May so that if the opening night date doesn't change I'll still have it ready. Luckily they don't seem to think this would be a problem even after I explained in a lot of demanding detail exactly what I want - even if I do have to have it ready for the 4th of May it seems I won't have to compromise on the finish and full function of the sign, which is good to know.
SIGN...
I have created a rough diagram and technical spec in Illustrator which I emailed to two sign workshops over the weekend.
I got a call back from Imageworx yesterday and had a long conversation with a very helpful guy there called James Teague about various different ways that the effect I want could be achieved and a rough breakdown of the cost of the various elements of the sign. James was confident that the sign could be made to my specifications (including three separate circuits of complex sequenced flashing of bulbs and neon tubes controlled by chaser units!) in only a month, which was encouraging.
I got a call back from Imageworx yesterday and had a long conversation with a very helpful guy there called James Teague about various different ways that the effect I want could be achieved and a rough breakdown of the cost of the various elements of the sign. James was confident that the sign could be made to my specifications (including three separate circuits of complex sequenced flashing of bulbs and neon tubes controlled by chaser units!) in only a month, which was encouraging.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
FMP continues...
I have met with the organiser of The Theatre of the Divine and discussed the project. He's very keen on my idea and has shown me the stage space at the 20th Century Theatre in Portobello where the event will be held. I've taken some measurements and photos to refer to when finalising my designs. Below are two images of the stage and audience space. The stage steps are moveable and can be configured in different arrangements.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
More image research
Here are some more images I sourced from the internet showing the style of lighting I have in mind for my sign. I want a retro look for it bringing to mind the lighting seen in fun fairs, carnivals, American motels and diners and of course Las Vegas, and theatres back in the 30s, 40s and 50s.
I have discovered that the lettering lighting style that I'm after is known in the industry as channel lettering, or cabochon lighting. Channel letters are the 3D letterforms which can contain either neon tubing or individual bulbs. These can either be exposed, or covered with a translucent material like acrylic. Cabochon lighting is the name given to the faceted bulbs (cabochons) that are commonly seen in fun fairs. Cabochon bulbs can also be used in channel lettering - without a top covering on the letter the intricately faceted bulbs can reflect off the inner surfaces of the letters which can be polished to enhance this effect.
I have discovered that the lettering lighting style that I'm after is known in the industry as channel lettering, or cabochon lighting. Channel letters are the 3D letterforms which can contain either neon tubing or individual bulbs. These can either be exposed, or covered with a translucent material like acrylic. Cabochon lighting is the name given to the faceted bulbs (cabochons) that are commonly seen in fun fairs. Cabochon bulbs can also be used in channel lettering - without a top covering on the letter the intricately faceted bulbs can reflect off the inner surfaces of the letters which can be polished to enhance this effect.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Final Major Project
For my final major project I would like to create a retro neon and bulb light sculpture/installation in the form of a Catholic sacred heart to be featured as a stage setting in a new Burlesque club night called The Theatre of the Divine.
I have been researching neon and vintage bulb lighting and the imagery of Roman Catholic religious artwork and tattoo art which I would like to incorporate into the design. I'd like to try to reference the theme of ironic religious imagery that I explored in my dissertation.
I have been researching neon and vintage bulb lighting and the imagery of Roman Catholic religious artwork and tattoo art which I would like to incorporate into the design. I'd like to try to reference the theme of ironic religious imagery that I explored in my dissertation.
Monday, 2 March 2009
FMP Pro-forma
Chelsea College of Art and Design
BA (Hons) Graphic Design Communication
Level Three
Studio Practice 3 / FMP: Final Major Project Pro-Forma
Unit 3B: (60 credits)
You are advised to complete this pro-forma in order to prioritise and clarify context, aims, objectives
and outcomes in relation to the Final Major Project, a double module with an assessable value of 60 credits
to complement previously undertaken units: Studio Practice: Unit 3C 3A (30 Credits) and Theory/Dissertation:
Unit 3C (30 Credits). Response requirements are based on unit assessment criteria require a personal response
in order to demonstrate the ambition degree level value of the project. PLEASE NOTE that this will be a first
point of reference for external contacts.
Student Name: Miranda Barrie Email: miranda.barrie@googlemail.com
1. Project Summary (One concise paragraph only)
Create a neon and bulb light stage installation in the form of a Roman Catholic ‘Sacré-Cœur’ for a new burlesque club event called Theatre of the Divine held at the 20th Century Theatre in Portobello.
2. Context (Background)
The project will involve designing the lighting installation and planning its integration into the theatre stage set.
I will also be exploring other possible applications for the sacred heart emblem such as photographs of the finished installation that could be used for the event’s promotion or projected into other areas of the venue on the club night. I anticipate that I will be making parts of the sign/emblem myself but that I will need to commission the more complex lighting elements to be made by a specialist.
3. Rationale (Why the project is relevant to you and to GDComm practice)
I have been working as a performer on the burlesque circuit for around six years and have therefore gained a good understanding of its world and clientele. I feel that this gives me an advantage in judging the kind of visual language that will be effective in the design of a burlesque event. I also feel that my experience as a design student will enable me to identify current clichés now associated with burlesque event design and steer clear of them, creating something with a classic feel, but that is new and unusual.
4. Skills Evidence: (describe your approach to the following)
Topicality and future projection potential
In a backlash to the ever-increasing numbers of infinitely changeable LCD displays in modern cities, the old fashioned techniques of neon and bulb lighting are becoming popular again. The aesthetic of signs which have been painstakingly custom made to permanently display one specific design seems more and more appealing in a world full of digital transience. I am aware that these retro lighting techniques are becoming fashionable again and want to use this to the event’s advantage whilst at the same time referencing the classic age of burlesque – the 1940s - in which bulb lighting a stage was common practice. The most common modern applications of retro lighting are seen in shop signage and window displays. Even big budget West End and Broadway shows rarely use retro lighting on stage sets so I think it would be exciting for the audience to see it used this way again.
Intellectual rigour and debate
Analogue versus digital; retro versus modern; custom made versus mass-produced…
Focus of research and analysis
Research modern applications of retro lighting – eg. Shop fronts/window displays, fun fairs, theatres, bars, clubs, fine art, etc. Also research into finding which lighting workshops would be best to commission for my project. I want the lighting to blink on and off in a cycle and need to research the best ways to achieve this effect.
Practical skills involved
Logo design, lighting and stage design, art direction.
Sustainability and Content of project (over as a double unit)
The manufacture of neon and bulb lighting is a meticulous process, and as I will be undertaking at least some of the manufacturing myself (construction of the main body of the sign out of wood and spray painting it) I am certain that the project will provide enough work to be sustainable over a double unit. I have met once so far with the club organiser to discuss the project – he is very enthusiastic and I will be meeting with him regularly to inform him on the progress of the design and manufacture of the sign.
Projection of professional or further research ambitions
The Theatre of the Divine is anticipated to become a monthly event - this will allow my work to be seen by more and more people. I have a broad range of interests within design and am not sure yet which area I would most like to enter into but perhaps this project could help prepare me for other event design and promotion work.
Elements of risk and challenge (originality and direction against the status quo)
Burlesque has become very popular over the past few years and there are a lot of competitor clubs, but as far as I have seen none of them have commissioned elaborate stage lighting installations, so I hope that this will set Theatre of the Divine apart from the crowd, making it more opulent and impressive.
The main risks and challenges will be around balancing cost with quality of the lighting installation. It would be extremely expensive to have the entire sign custom made but I need to make sure that any elements that I do make myself look high quality enough to be acceptable.
Predicated outcomes
Neon and bulb light sacred heart emblem installed on stage for the opening night of Theatre of the Divine on the 4th of May.
Manufacturing and production issues
Will be undertaken partly by myself and partly by a professional custom lighting workshop.
Opportunities for professional feedback
The club organiser is affiliated with the owners of luxury lingerie label Agent Provocateur who have created a number of bulb light signs for their shop window displays. I am hoping to be able organise a meeting to speak with them about this.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design Communication
Level Three
Studio Practice 3 / FMP: Final Major Project Pro-Forma
Unit 3B: (60 credits)
You are advised to complete this pro-forma in order to prioritise and clarify context, aims, objectives
and outcomes in relation to the Final Major Project, a double module with an assessable value of 60 credits
to complement previously undertaken units: Studio Practice: Unit 3C 3A (30 Credits) and Theory/Dissertation:
Unit 3C (30 Credits). Response requirements are based on unit assessment criteria require a personal response
in order to demonstrate the ambition degree level value of the project. PLEASE NOTE that this will be a first
point of reference for external contacts.
Student Name: Miranda Barrie Email: miranda.barrie@googlemail.com
1. Project Summary (One concise paragraph only)
Create a neon and bulb light stage installation in the form of a Roman Catholic ‘Sacré-Cœur’ for a new burlesque club event called Theatre of the Divine held at the 20th Century Theatre in Portobello.
2. Context (Background)
The project will involve designing the lighting installation and planning its integration into the theatre stage set.
I will also be exploring other possible applications for the sacred heart emblem such as photographs of the finished installation that could be used for the event’s promotion or projected into other areas of the venue on the club night. I anticipate that I will be making parts of the sign/emblem myself but that I will need to commission the more complex lighting elements to be made by a specialist.
3. Rationale (Why the project is relevant to you and to GDComm practice)
I have been working as a performer on the burlesque circuit for around six years and have therefore gained a good understanding of its world and clientele. I feel that this gives me an advantage in judging the kind of visual language that will be effective in the design of a burlesque event. I also feel that my experience as a design student will enable me to identify current clichés now associated with burlesque event design and steer clear of them, creating something with a classic feel, but that is new and unusual.
4. Skills Evidence: (describe your approach to the following)
Topicality and future projection potential
In a backlash to the ever-increasing numbers of infinitely changeable LCD displays in modern cities, the old fashioned techniques of neon and bulb lighting are becoming popular again. The aesthetic of signs which have been painstakingly custom made to permanently display one specific design seems more and more appealing in a world full of digital transience. I am aware that these retro lighting techniques are becoming fashionable again and want to use this to the event’s advantage whilst at the same time referencing the classic age of burlesque – the 1940s - in which bulb lighting a stage was common practice. The most common modern applications of retro lighting are seen in shop signage and window displays. Even big budget West End and Broadway shows rarely use retro lighting on stage sets so I think it would be exciting for the audience to see it used this way again.
Intellectual rigour and debate
Analogue versus digital; retro versus modern; custom made versus mass-produced…
Focus of research and analysis
Research modern applications of retro lighting – eg. Shop fronts/window displays, fun fairs, theatres, bars, clubs, fine art, etc. Also research into finding which lighting workshops would be best to commission for my project. I want the lighting to blink on and off in a cycle and need to research the best ways to achieve this effect.
Practical skills involved
Logo design, lighting and stage design, art direction.
Sustainability and Content of project (over as a double unit)
The manufacture of neon and bulb lighting is a meticulous process, and as I will be undertaking at least some of the manufacturing myself (construction of the main body of the sign out of wood and spray painting it) I am certain that the project will provide enough work to be sustainable over a double unit. I have met once so far with the club organiser to discuss the project – he is very enthusiastic and I will be meeting with him regularly to inform him on the progress of the design and manufacture of the sign.
Projection of professional or further research ambitions
The Theatre of the Divine is anticipated to become a monthly event - this will allow my work to be seen by more and more people. I have a broad range of interests within design and am not sure yet which area I would most like to enter into but perhaps this project could help prepare me for other event design and promotion work.
Elements of risk and challenge (originality and direction against the status quo)
Burlesque has become very popular over the past few years and there are a lot of competitor clubs, but as far as I have seen none of them have commissioned elaborate stage lighting installations, so I hope that this will set Theatre of the Divine apart from the crowd, making it more opulent and impressive.
The main risks and challenges will be around balancing cost with quality of the lighting installation. It would be extremely expensive to have the entire sign custom made but I need to make sure that any elements that I do make myself look high quality enough to be acceptable.
Predicated outcomes
Neon and bulb light sacred heart emblem installed on stage for the opening night of Theatre of the Divine on the 4th of May.
Manufacturing and production issues
Will be undertaken partly by myself and partly by a professional custom lighting workshop.
Opportunities for professional feedback
The club organiser is affiliated with the owners of luxury lingerie label Agent Provocateur who have created a number of bulb light signs for their shop window displays. I am hoping to be able organise a meeting to speak with them about this.
Sunday, 1 March 2009
FINAL MAJOR PROJECT
My blog will now be dedicated to my final major project.
ALL PRIOR POSTS ARE UN-RELATED TO MY FINAL MAJOR PROJECT AND CONTAIN WORK FROM PREVIOUS PROJECTS.
ALL PRIOR POSTS ARE UN-RELATED TO MY FINAL MAJOR PROJECT AND CONTAIN WORK FROM PREVIOUS PROJECTS.
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