Unit Evaluation

This evaluation features screenshots of parts of the unit for reference.  Following on from the evaluation is the remainder of my exam blog.
The original brief I was given at the start was the subject of "Meetings" (gatherings, etc).
I combined the brief with one of my sole hobbies (trains), and came up with train stations, where people meet each other all the time. I also came up with a very interesting idea, of experiences of ghosts, and alien activity. I decided to choose train stations, and started researching Whitchurch railway station. Apon finding out the station wasn't worth the miles, I rethought my strategies to look into Shrewsbury station, or a station which I never did as it was a bit too far away (llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, which just happens to be the longest station name in the world). I eventually returned to the idea of Whitchurch station, and started up a rusty idea that relates to a model railway layout idea (Gainsridge Railway). I played around with the initials AMGR (Anglian and Midland Gainsridge Railway) for a fictional company which would run from Norwich to Birmingham. When I got to GMAR (Gainsridge Midland and Anglian Railway) I decided AMGR was more fitting. Deciding that Anglian and Midland Gainsridge Railway would in reality be too much typeface for a locomotive or DVT (Driving Van Trailer), I lost the Gainsridge Railway, to make A&M trains.

An early piece that I created was a logo for the fictional train company Midan. Although this logo was eventually discarded you can see how I was influenced by other company logos.

The pieces that influenced one of my earlier pieces (MIDAN) were:

Queensland Railway Sunlander passenger cars:

What influenced me to create the logo was the fact that I have a trains simulator at home, and love these cars. I decided to include the red stripes below the typeface and a white background.

British Rail Logo:

What influenced me to create the direction arrow parts in the logo were the arrows that I had to look twice to see in this logo.

Wrexham & Shropshire logo

Noticably, the larger "&" sign in the last logo. I later found out that I had subconsciously included a very similar "&" layout to "Wrexham and Shropshire"

The experimentations I did where spraying stencils to recreate an image found on the internet. The risks were that I had to make sure I had only three colours, as more would be too difficult to cut-out. I also had to be very careful with cutting out, as I needed to create "bridges" to hold relevant parts in, so as the paint wouldn't make the end painting look like a meaningless blob. But I also had to make sure that the "bridges" were small enough to not have a massive impact on the visuals of the image: I still wanted

the image to be identified easily:

I then experimented with paint splodges (black) and changed the colour to suit the train:

 I changed the colour from purple to orange, and this seemed to add more contrast, and it now resembled something of the sun coming out from behind the train.

Experimenting further, I added another paint splodge, with "Hard Mix" on the layer, and situated it on the bumper of the train.

When I looked at the orange paint splash, I decided that I wanted the train to look like it was coming out of a tunnel. I searched a tunnel up on the internet, and used this image from:

http://www.nvr.org.uk/news/?idx=2008003 :

I flipped the image horizontally, cut most of the background out, to just be left with the tunnel.

I then loaded the tunnel onto another layer, and used "Darken". I then cut out a very small amount of black protruding from the bottom of the train, as it was slightly out, and this achieved the blended in tunnel effect, with the train rushing out. This is the final experimentation:

The piece I have chosen that I have refined over a long period of time, is the logo ideas I started off with. This gradually got to using the image of one East Midlands HST (High Speed Train) from the Hornby site:

I converted this to Adobe Illustrator, to use in the logo. Here is an example, with a unique design font for the Midland part of the logo:

-->

I then decided that the words were too long for a catchy logo, so JUST used the HST, on a canted angle, and the initials. I then added "trains" very much like the virgin logo:

The virgin logo:

Lastly, I decided to put two HSTs together, as Alison thought one on it's own could get confused with a dog. I reversed the trains to face each other, and started the final phase of refining:

My final piece was influenced by:

ACC (Arriva Cross Country):

I used the concept of the two chevrons. Instead of the chevrons, I replaced them with two HST's. that look like arrows in a way.

W&S (Wrexham and Shropshire):

I used the concept of the "&". Even though the final logo hasn't used the correct typeface, it has a very similar typeface in the web address below.

GC Trains(Grand Central):

I used the concept of what looks like wings, in my earlier designs, but soon took to a black and gold livery, very much like the one displayed here.

London Midland:

This one was simple. I used the same font feel, and tried to put in my own expression the "midland" part of the logo. I also based the second part of the firm title on London Midland.

These are my final logos: The one on the left is the executive logo, while the one on the right is the official logo. The logo consists of approximately seven layers:

Layer 1 is the orange background, simply reversed for the executive logo.

Layer 2 is the "&" sign (the layer is actually a normal "&" sign in "Times New Roman" font)

Layer 3 is the line I cleverly adjusted to "split" down the centre of the "&" to appear as train lines.

Layer 4 is a very clever piece. This is an undetectable "track" across the top left, diagonal to the bottom right line, twice: just off the "A" and going behind the wheels of the "M" train.

Layer 5 is the HST's (actually as two layers, one black, with an orange "detail" layer on top. On the executive logo, the black "shadow" that shows the roof and wheels has been outlined with orange to stand out, but not invert, as this had horrific results

Layer 6 is the A M text, this was put a similar font to London Midland (Futura)

Layer 7 is the final layer: The website on the bottom.

This was actually the first thing that went through my head when I decided to recreate the 91101 Flying Scotsman. I love the Intercity 225's (a more updated looking version of the 125's. Trains that are noticeable as 125's are: Intercity, Virgin, East Midlands Trains, First Great Western etc. The 225's are commonly used by GNER, and consist of a class 91 locomotive, about 9 coaches, and a class 82 DVT (Driving Van Trailer). Anyway, to cut a long explanation short, the Intercity 225 91101 Flying Scotsman is the new train in service by GNER that runs the same route as the LNER Flying Scotsman.

I recreated the 91101 in Adobe Illustrator because I had an idea to make executive travel an Intercity 225.

The train in the A&M short advert that is my blog background was duplicated, and faded to look like the reflection on the bottom part of the image. I then simply added the above information, with genuine website address, in Futura font.

The timetable is based on a London Midland timetable I took a photo of at Shrewsbury Station. This was very time consuming to create, but I am very happy with the end product:

Firstly, before I did anything, I researched times and approximate waiting times. I put these results in two tables in Microsoft Excel, and also examined the colour scheme for rail companies: Arriva Trains Wales for example, have every other line (e.g Shrewsbury, Wem, Whtichurch etc) in a light blue, hence their livery. London Midland have a colour I can't quite understand: a light grey, although the website has got a light grey background. I decided to do a light orange. I then print-screened the tables, and pasted them into Photoshop. I put the train image into the top left, and flipped the duplicate into the top right. The banner and "In a hurry?" boxes were actually created in a different paint program. The wording is almost identical to the London Midland timetable.

Brainstorming

Conventions of the Form

Examples of company logos

I found some interesting books called "The Little Know-It-All - Common Sense for Designers" and "What Is Graphic Design?" and found lots of interesting information.

(TBC)

Conclusion Of Research

When you create a logo, it should be crisp, neat and needs to last for a long time. No good putting something like: Bedford Van Removals 1998. More like put: John's Removals (with a subtitle: Since 1998). Every logo must be done in good proportion, and this should be done using a grid, or snapping (i.e photoshop). The logo must be easy to read, easy to acknowledge and easy to recognise. Once created, the logo needs a zone that no text or pictures will interfere with. This is to give it it's full blandness, and to not overcrowd it. The protection zone is marked digitally, as a rule, My protection zone is the orange square.

The logo is supposed to be used for globalisation and mass market. The logo also needs to show it belongs to a certain community. The logo needs to tell the viewer exactly or roughly what the company is about.

Design can easily get carried away by being too complex, and trying to include too many ideas. Sometimes, the finished design can be nothing to do with the firm. The message with a logo needs to be clear and forceful to the point.

The logo needs to split apart a company from a possible similar company. When designing a logo you need to bear in mind that the logo size will differ depending on what it is displayed e.g. letterhead, side of a vehicle, corporate clothing etc. The use of colour needs to be considered as the more colours used will result in higher printing costs. 

Whitchurch Station (Planning)

I decided to go to Whitchurch having seen this image.

I planned the route by train and made sure it was achievable.

I chose leaving at 16:00 as that is the first available train I can catch at the end of college.

When I made the call to say I was going to catch the train to Whitchurch, Harlescott staff decided to drop me off by car.

Photos of Station Idea: Whitchurch

The first shot was more about a sort-of title screen showing the location.

The second shot is a bit of a busy shot for a simple illustration, such as the logo, or children's book. However, if I convert the images of the signal box to diagrams, I could put this into the instructional book. This could also be used for the Newpaper idea, however I would prefer the signal box to be in working order, and not run-down.

An image like the last one would be suitable for signs, CD covers to a certain extent, and logo.

the first image, of the sign could be taken, edited, or recreated, to show something like the title of a film, with a few lines, with the crossed out person, and date of coming film. This also fits into signs, children's books, and CD covers.

The second image would look better a bit darker, and with a 175 with it's lights glaring, blurred, and the whole scene slightly blurred (motion blur). This could also be used for a goods train (class 66 with 20 hoppers).

If I tried really hard, I might be able to super-impose a similar building into the scenery, as this is where I think the station building was. (third image)

I think the scene captured in the fourth image should be blurred in the direction of the railway, and maybe a slow shutter speed taking a picture of the train arriving, and departing.

The bridge photo is interesting, and you could say that the bridge towers over the perspective. I think this one would look more mystery or horror in the dark, playing with the lights.

The fourth image looks surprisingly pleasing to me. I would think to change the the platform 1 to a relevant number, and replace the signs. Also, I would probably retake the picture to show the Whitchurch sign more clearly. This sign is a good example of a logo.

All the second bridge shot needs, is a dark look, a dark figure, and a blur.

The second image is the signal box, without the sign obstructing.

The last one is a nice central shot. To an extent, this could be a logo, but a think this would be better as a newspaper photo, in black and white.

Whitchurch Station (Conclusion)

Stunned by how grey the station looked, I decided to find out where I went wrong.

I visited the same site I got the station building from, and looked at it properly

The station building had been demolished, and two platforms taken out, with two rails taken out.

Looking back at the recent photo, you can guess the layout still

Logo Ideas

Firstly, I tried the idea of a town church in a rural house, monochrome.

The first attempt looked like an up arrow, so I tried again, but couldn't quite get the roof right.

 

Abandoning the idea, I decided to make a more text approach to the logo. I decided to try as best I could with the letters AMGR (Anglian and Midland Gainsridge Railway)

I tried to make the A look like a mountain and river in the second attempt.

The third attempt I tried to tail off the A and M into a two track railway.

Next I tried the A M and R tailing off in a similar fashion.

I decided next to concentrate on the R, tailing the A and M through to make the crossbars for the R, G, and A.

I tried to combine the letters more, and abruptly stopped.

I came up with a pleasing A and M tailing down to create a take of National Rail, but the R was a problem.

Top right is more of the train car livery, than the logo

I tried to turn the National Rail take 90 degrees, but it didn't look very good.

Lastly, I gave up on trying GMAR, as AMGR sounds and looks nicer.

I cannot draw tour buses, so this failed.

I drew the bus to guess how the tour company JT Tours' logo would fit.

You can see the original idea was more set on a slanted grid.

Very quickly, I adjusted to a crescent shape, with JT morphed in somehow, and Tours sitting in the curve of the crescent.

This was more based on the fact that I have to sign to confirm receipt of my travel money every morning.

Starting off so small I can't read it, and getting more confident.

I am really not very keen on the way I try to sign a J, so decided to try a strange approach (top middle)

This turned into a tall type of J, reading Jonathan, with a similar elegant T, overlapping the "n" of Jonathan. This was not intentional, and I hurriedly scribbled a "Limited" under it, in the style of Bryn Melyn Ltd: The bus I catch every morning.

Rather liking the lack of space between the "n" and T, I reproduced it in a more confident take.

Lastly, 3 in 1:

Bus Company, Tour Company, and Railway Company.

Logo ideas part 2

The next attempt at creating a logo started as the AMGR national rail type, until I decided the national rail symbol took up too much of the logo. I then re-designed the AMGR, going through a phase of copying the idea of the local bus company; Wrekin Connect. i did this by making the A more stylish, with three arrows pointing in different directions. Deciding again that AMGR was too long, I changed it to A.C, with two arrows for the A, and a final arrow spelling the C.

Upon decided there where now too many ARROWS, I attempted a leading lines big A, with "M G R" printed below. When I tried this on an illustrated train, such as the one below (Intercity 225), I realised the "A" was too big, taking up a whole side of the train.

I also played around with the idea of "AMGR" either end of the coaches, and decided the logo was a no go: 1: The "A" looked ridiculous as big as it was, and 2: Neither the logo nor print looked good for the coaches.

I decided to look again at the logos I was analysing, and found a solution:

"AMGR" sounds nice, but "LNER", "GNER", and "EWS" to name a few, do not put "London North Eastern Railway", "Great North Eastern Railway", and definitely NOT "English, Welsh and Scottish Railway" in bold writing or a sophisticated logo.

So I decided to cut the AMGR down to a more manageable logo. I realised that if you take "Railway" out, this company could be universal transportation; but "AMG" or "AMGC" didn't work very well. So I decided to make "AMGR" into "Anglian and Midland Trains" or A&M.

My first logo was based on the facts of the two bus companies: Belle coaches (Lowestoft) and Anglian Buses (Norwich). When I looked more closely at the logos, I could tell that the livery and logo was put together to create a representation of the seaside.

The "Belle" coach below has a "comfortable" font, with mentions of the seaside in the form of two lines to the right of the logo to look like the seagulls, and two "sea" waves to the left of the logo. Also, the colour blue is used as the overall livery, again mentioning the sea.

The "Anglian Buses" bus logo png doesn't really say much apart from the name and unique typeface looking again, "comfortable":

But put the logo on a bus, and this tells of the seaside again. A yellow bus to be easily recognised, with the typeface standing out from the background livery, and lastly, a smooth rolling appearance of blue near the undercarriage, which instantly says to the mind "sea":

Based on the evidence of the seaside, I decided to design the "A" to look like the seaside, as the East Anglian part:

I used a simple paint program to create a yellow "A" with the crossbar, imported it into photoshop, erased the crossbar, and designed the "waves" in the same standard paint program. Lastly, I put the whole thing together. This shows the seaside from the idea of the yellow beach, and the sea showed by the waves.

Next, I designed the "M" to show off the Shropshire hills:

Not very happy with the outcome and bland shape of the "M", I decided to duplicate about 1/3 of this design:

I used white lines to distinguish the "hills" more, but at the same time, clearly show the "M".

This is the full logo: