Today I got round to writing the conclusion of the report, as specified by the report template this should include a SWOT analysis (as produced for the PowerPoint presentation), and a section on possible future development for the Signature Boot. With the benefit of hindsight it is possible to discuss modifying decisions regarding the Signature Boot.
There is the opportunity for additional features to be added, for example handles. This is a feature adopted by top designers Wellington Boots yet something which could be transferred to high street level. This would be a useful feature as many people care their Wellington’s once the festival is over. The Wellington could therefore become a handbag for bits and pieces accumulated over the festival. Moreover, if successful, the product could be produced with a male consumer in mind, sold through Topman.
The customer profile board accompanying this report considers this. It would not be possible to produce a ‘unisex’ Signature Boot because of gender differences in physique and preferences, yet the boot would have slight variations in style and colour ranges, being slightly taller to accommodate for the new prospective customer, and would be available in larger sizes, up to size 11 as sold by Topshop presently. The price would have to be altered accordingly. Possible future campaign for the Topman launch of Signature Boot.
What next?
I have reached the end of the report now with regards to writing it, however it is necessary to continuously redraft this in order to reduce the margin for any errors. It is also necessary to consider a creative format. At present I have considered creating a really long (A3 length) report, and having this particularly narrow. This could then sit inside the Signature Boot. The front cover would be stripey as if it was a hippy persons sock. It would then bound accordingly.
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Reading for Report Writing
Last night I commenced my report writing. I initially looked on-line for advice and guidance about how to write a report. I decided that I would initially focus on report content, before moving on to consider a creative format.
Books which I initially looked at to references included: Living with Colour – the workbook for managing the colours in your home. The book by Dereyck Healey proved very useful when discussing the selection of colours I chose to produce my products in.
A further book which proved useful was Fashion Brands – Branding Style from Armani to Zara. I used the index page in here to locate any information on the brand Topshop which could be used to support my arguments for choosing this brand.
Colour in Industrial Design, written by Dale Russell was invaluable when it came to discussion colour both in my product and my forms of promotion, resulting in a well-rounded argument as to how I made my ‘colour ways’ decisions.
The most useful book that I looked at up to this stage was actually quite dated, however Fashion Advertising and Promotion, by Arthur A. Winters and Stanley Goodman proved very useful in content regarding my methods of promotion. It also included diagrams which would be extremely pertinent, and should be used as figures within the report to illumine claims and discussion.
What next?
Next I should continue to read the above book Fashion Advertising and Promotion. I have extracted quality quotes and made note of page numbers of diagrams. By the end of today I should put these in their relevant sections of the report, enabling myself to structure the report around them. I must also continue to read other texts.
Books which I initially looked at to references included: Living with Colour – the workbook for managing the colours in your home. The book by Dereyck Healey proved very useful when discussing the selection of colours I chose to produce my products in.
A further book which proved useful was Fashion Brands – Branding Style from Armani to Zara. I used the index page in here to locate any information on the brand Topshop which could be used to support my arguments for choosing this brand.
Colour in Industrial Design, written by Dale Russell was invaluable when it came to discussion colour both in my product and my forms of promotion, resulting in a well-rounded argument as to how I made my ‘colour ways’ decisions.
The most useful book that I looked at up to this stage was actually quite dated, however Fashion Advertising and Promotion, by Arthur A. Winters and Stanley Goodman proved very useful in content regarding my methods of promotion. It also included diagrams which would be extremely pertinent, and should be used as figures within the report to illumine claims and discussion.
What next?
Next I should continue to read the above book Fashion Advertising and Promotion. I have extracted quality quotes and made note of page numbers of diagrams. By the end of today I should put these in their relevant sections of the report, enabling myself to structure the report around them. I must also continue to read other texts.
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Starting to write the Report
I have just returned home for Christmas. The practical part of this project was handed in on Thursday – in time for the deadline. It is now time to commence on the report writing. It is necessary to refer to the PowerPoint I completed in Dragon’s Den style.
I looked at the different sections included here, and intertwined this into my research and former knowledge into report writing and compiled at contents list which, at this initial stage, included the following: List of Tables and Figures, Abbreviations, Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People and Persuasion. When researching into formatting a report I came across a section for inclusion entitled acknowledgements.
It is from here that I was inspired to include Collin Williamson, for accompanying me around his plastic factory, and Sarah, Mike and Laura from Wedge Wellies for helping me realize the weaknesses in my product and helping me overcome them. Research also taught me that the front page of a report (the title page) is very important for setting the tone of the report and thus should not be overcrowded.
It did however suggest that a company logo could be included. This inspired me with regards to my ‘creative format’ I considered that I could write this report from the perspective of a company. It was up to me to decide whether this would be an official from Topshop, a Glastonbury festival representative, or somebody from a creative agency.
What next?
I must continue my report writing. I will utilize the holidays wisely, paying particular attention to the desired writing style as well as the topic, reading behind the subject. Future blog updates will contain information about books that I have read.
I looked at the different sections included here, and intertwined this into my research and former knowledge into report writing and compiled at contents list which, at this initial stage, included the following: List of Tables and Figures, Abbreviations, Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People and Persuasion. When researching into formatting a report I came across a section for inclusion entitled acknowledgements.
It is from here that I was inspired to include Collin Williamson, for accompanying me around his plastic factory, and Sarah, Mike and Laura from Wedge Wellies for helping me realize the weaknesses in my product and helping me overcome them. Research also taught me that the front page of a report (the title page) is very important for setting the tone of the report and thus should not be overcrowded.
It did however suggest that a company logo could be included. This inspired me with regards to my ‘creative format’ I considered that I could write this report from the perspective of a company. It was up to me to decide whether this would be an official from Topshop, a Glastonbury festival representative, or somebody from a creative agency.
What next?
I must continue my report writing. I will utilize the holidays wisely, paying particular attention to the desired writing style as well as the topic, reading behind the subject. Future blog updates will contain information about books that I have read.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Progress made since last update
On my last blog update I state that I would have to get started on the web design element of this project. Instead, however, I focussed my attentions on the forms of promotion generally.
One was to be a press pack – at present I have the gift sorted - a Wellington boot soap, and have written the press release and have some samples to put inside the pack. I have a theme in mind - a sort of festival wash pack that I am aiming to create.
I must then create the aforementioned website – however to do so I must have all graphics etc completed before this stage. I must then create two other relevant forms of promotion – one would be my blog and Facebook group – I must consider interesting ways to present these.
I felt that billboard advertising would be effective; therefore I started creating the graphics from these, using images from the internet. However, billboards can be seen as an easy-get-out form of promotion, I therefore considered ways in which I could make them more interactive etc.
The images I created were very effective and could be used as banner ads alongside the website. This would ensure continuity throughout the site.
At present I am dabbling in web design for another brief, consequently skills that I learn there can be implemented into this website design; making it holy relevant to the customer.
What next?
Next I must focus on finalising these forms of promotion, I must also work on the elements that go alongside the press pack, even if I finish these in draft at least it is a step in the correct direction. This must include a list of relevant journalists to invite, therefore I will continue along this line of thought.
One was to be a press pack – at present I have the gift sorted - a Wellington boot soap, and have written the press release and have some samples to put inside the pack. I have a theme in mind - a sort of festival wash pack that I am aiming to create.
I must then create the aforementioned website – however to do so I must have all graphics etc completed before this stage. I must then create two other relevant forms of promotion – one would be my blog and Facebook group – I must consider interesting ways to present these.
I felt that billboard advertising would be effective; therefore I started creating the graphics from these, using images from the internet. However, billboards can be seen as an easy-get-out form of promotion, I therefore considered ways in which I could make them more interactive etc.
The images I created were very effective and could be used as banner ads alongside the website. This would ensure continuity throughout the site.
At present I am dabbling in web design for another brief, consequently skills that I learn there can be implemented into this website design; making it holy relevant to the customer.
What next?
Next I must focus on finalising these forms of promotion, I must also work on the elements that go alongside the press pack, even if I finish these in draft at least it is a step in the correct direction. This must include a list of relevant journalists to invite, therefore I will continue along this line of thought.
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Recent Achievements:
Progress over the last couple of days:
Great progress has been made since the last blog update. Research has been conducted into Guerrilla Marketing techniques, as explored by Levinson. The analysis of art work I the form of dressed trees was also an area that was looked into.
I took inspiration gained from the analysis of these ideas into photoshop, and experimented with trees and Wellington boots simultaneously – the outcome was more experimental than desirable!
Most notably I managed to create another form of promotion. This came as a blog, this was linked with a widget to my Facebook ‘Signature Boot’ page, and facilitated updates that a typical fashion-related blog site would launch, for example updates, forums of discussion and debate – facilitated by the commenting option. I had to think about how I would present this to my peers in the most effective way – a book? On boards??
Next I considered a ‘relevant’ form of promotion, by this I meant something which specifically related to my product and customer identity. I therefore chose badges. I used Illustrator as the software to create these badges. Through research I discovered that there were two main sizes – 77mm and 58mm, therefore I worked along these guidelines using circles to represent the edge of the badge.
This in itself was a form of promotion, and a fairly effective one – people would go around wearig these badges, consequently it links to bandwagon advertising, people would spark up conversation centred on the badges, and by the end of the discussion they would feel as though they ‘had’ to have the badge.
I would send these off to a professional company to get made up. Again I had to think of a way that these would be presented – would I superimpose them onto garments on photoshop, or would I present them physically on a garment or board for my hand in.
I also chose my press gift – this was to be a Wellington boot soap – green in colour, consequently it linked to the concept of the environmentally friendly Wellington, whilst also coinciding with previous areas explored throughout the campaign – ensuring continuity.
What next?
Next I must work on the four forms of promotion, starting with the website design – this will be my primary focus for the next few days.
Great progress has been made since the last blog update. Research has been conducted into Guerrilla Marketing techniques, as explored by Levinson. The analysis of art work I the form of dressed trees was also an area that was looked into.
I took inspiration gained from the analysis of these ideas into photoshop, and experimented with trees and Wellington boots simultaneously – the outcome was more experimental than desirable!
Most notably I managed to create another form of promotion. This came as a blog, this was linked with a widget to my Facebook ‘Signature Boot’ page, and facilitated updates that a typical fashion-related blog site would launch, for example updates, forums of discussion and debate – facilitated by the commenting option. I had to think about how I would present this to my peers in the most effective way – a book? On boards??
Next I considered a ‘relevant’ form of promotion, by this I meant something which specifically related to my product and customer identity. I therefore chose badges. I used Illustrator as the software to create these badges. Through research I discovered that there were two main sizes – 77mm and 58mm, therefore I worked along these guidelines using circles to represent the edge of the badge.
This in itself was a form of promotion, and a fairly effective one – people would go around wearig these badges, consequently it links to bandwagon advertising, people would spark up conversation centred on the badges, and by the end of the discussion they would feel as though they ‘had’ to have the badge.
I would send these off to a professional company to get made up. Again I had to think of a way that these would be presented – would I superimpose them onto garments on photoshop, or would I present them physically on a garment or board for my hand in.
I also chose my press gift – this was to be a Wellington boot soap – green in colour, consequently it linked to the concept of the environmentally friendly Wellington, whilst also coinciding with previous areas explored throughout the campaign – ensuring continuity.
What next?
Next I must work on the four forms of promotion, starting with the website design – this will be my primary focus for the next few days.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Considering marketing techniques
After a workshop today I had become more aware of Guerrilla marketing techniques, first implemented by Levinson. It is a popular marketing strategy that encourages intercept encounters, for example creating a tangible form of promotion for the consumer.
I had an initial idea of making a tree look very much like a hippy, by tying ribbons in the branches at the top (the hair), and then by having bracelets on the branches slightly further down, (the arms) maybe some knitwear along the way, and then the Wellington boots down by the roots at the bottom. When I looked further into this, something similar had already been done, however this just goes to demonstrate that the concept is viable.
An issue surrounded how I would go about representing my intentions; would I edit these pieces in on photo shop, or would I actually have to go about creating this in real life.
I still wasn’t convinced with this idea, and thus I continued to experiment in my mind.
I had an idea about a way to represent a form of promotion for a magazine; this was in crossword format; the answers would either be readily provided for the reader, or alternatively they would just be left the clues. I must fid a way to specifically suggest that it is the Signature Boot that I am referring to amongst all of this.
When it came to creating the crossword, I used Illustrator – that way I could ensure that I was correctly aligning the boxes, I referred to an original crossword for clues about authentic layout, and typical additions etc, I wanted this to look as real as possible yet with something, possibly the logo, that made the viewer think – hang on a minute… this is a promotion!
I could set up a scheme whereby every correct purchase got 10% off of the purchase of a pair of signature boots. However I must consider the 10% student discount that the Topshop is renowned for. Yet I could use this advantageously.
What next?
I must now continue to work on ideas as to how I would represent my forms of promotion, whether a photoshoot will be necessary, or whether I will rely on digital imaging to help portray my campaign.
I had an initial idea of making a tree look very much like a hippy, by tying ribbons in the branches at the top (the hair), and then by having bracelets on the branches slightly further down, (the arms) maybe some knitwear along the way, and then the Wellington boots down by the roots at the bottom. When I looked further into this, something similar had already been done, however this just goes to demonstrate that the concept is viable.
An issue surrounded how I would go about representing my intentions; would I edit these pieces in on photo shop, or would I actually have to go about creating this in real life.
I still wasn’t convinced with this idea, and thus I continued to experiment in my mind.
I had an idea about a way to represent a form of promotion for a magazine; this was in crossword format; the answers would either be readily provided for the reader, or alternatively they would just be left the clues. I must fid a way to specifically suggest that it is the Signature Boot that I am referring to amongst all of this.
When it came to creating the crossword, I used Illustrator – that way I could ensure that I was correctly aligning the boxes, I referred to an original crossword for clues about authentic layout, and typical additions etc, I wanted this to look as real as possible yet with something, possibly the logo, that made the viewer think – hang on a minute… this is a promotion!
I could set up a scheme whereby every correct purchase got 10% off of the purchase of a pair of signature boots. However I must consider the 10% student discount that the Topshop is renowned for. Yet I could use this advantageously.
What next?
I must now continue to work on ideas as to how I would represent my forms of promotion, whether a photoshoot will be necessary, or whether I will rely on digital imaging to help portray my campaign.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Achievements since my last post:
What I have achieved:
Right, well it’s definitely gone past midnight, so this qualifies as Sunday’s blog.
Achievements of … well, yesterday!
I communicated with Octavia, a girl from my course who I also think would be the perfect model for my project because of her quirky looks – she also has the wardrobe of an indie-type girl, which definitely helps.
Whilst talking through town I was inspired by a Tanya doll that I saw. It was the black equivalent of a Barbie doll, and clothed in bright colours – this made me see that bright hippy-esque attire would look so vibrant and lovely on a black model, and therefore I went about sourcing one of these, considering a girl from my course for this also.
I considered the use of another girl I had been around campus, but tracking her down was a major issue as I had no form of contact and didn’t even know her name.
I produced a questionnaire to help me further my progress within this project. I needed to be absolutely positive that the line of thought I was continuing down was correct for the product, for example had I eventually got the brand right, and was the festival endorsement correct – all of these things needed to be assessed and evaluated.
It was also necessary to find out more about my customer, for example the age of those who are buying into wellies, their gender, desires and requirements.
What next?
I have printed off 50 copies of this questionnaire, because of the sheer expense of printing, I am going to ensure that I hand these questionnaires out in person, because this amplifies the likelihood of: A. getting the questionnaire back, and B. getting is back with haste! I aim to have collated all of the information into an Excel spreadsheet by the end of tomorrow for analysis.
Right, well it’s definitely gone past midnight, so this qualifies as Sunday’s blog.
Achievements of … well, yesterday!
I communicated with Octavia, a girl from my course who I also think would be the perfect model for my project because of her quirky looks – she also has the wardrobe of an indie-type girl, which definitely helps.
Whilst talking through town I was inspired by a Tanya doll that I saw. It was the black equivalent of a Barbie doll, and clothed in bright colours – this made me see that bright hippy-esque attire would look so vibrant and lovely on a black model, and therefore I went about sourcing one of these, considering a girl from my course for this also.
I considered the use of another girl I had been around campus, but tracking her down was a major issue as I had no form of contact and didn’t even know her name.
I produced a questionnaire to help me further my progress within this project. I needed to be absolutely positive that the line of thought I was continuing down was correct for the product, for example had I eventually got the brand right, and was the festival endorsement correct – all of these things needed to be assessed and evaluated.
It was also necessary to find out more about my customer, for example the age of those who are buying into wellies, their gender, desires and requirements.
What next?
I have printed off 50 copies of this questionnaire, because of the sheer expense of printing, I am going to ensure that I hand these questionnaires out in person, because this amplifies the likelihood of: A. getting the questionnaire back, and B. getting is back with haste! I aim to have collated all of the information into an Excel spreadsheet by the end of tomorrow for analysis.
Completing the press release - ahead of schedule
Yesterday I managed to work on into the early hours, and consequently completed my press release for the Signature Boots; I put Topshop in as the brand as at this point I was convinced that this was my new line of enquiry.
The release came up to just over 500 words, which is the appropriate length for a press release; it is typically suggested that 500 words is the minimum.
However, I next had to consider how I was to format this. My initial idea was to format is on a scarf; this would then also incorporate the press gift. The scarf would have to be purchased from the Topshop store as a self endorsing item.
However, it is important to consider the technicalities, how would I attached the release to the scarf in such a way that it would be readable, whilst also being wearable after the journalist has written the desired article.
My next idea was to have the press release formatted inside an empty packet of face wipes. Face wipes are obviously a festival necessity; this is where this link comes into play. However it is important to consider how this would work. The last sentence that the journalist would write would have to be placed in the face wipe packet first, so that it would be pulled out last – so on an so forth. It is the necessary to consider what type of fabric or material would be best; bearing in mind that it must be malleable.
My final idea was to print the release onto fabric and then to make it into something, for example a hat, socks, or a scarf – or any other festival related item.
What next?
I must consider further ways to format the press release, whilst considering other elements of the press pack.
Ultimately, I must think of the concept of my model and contact these models; who would work best etc.
The release came up to just over 500 words, which is the appropriate length for a press release; it is typically suggested that 500 words is the minimum.
However, I next had to consider how I was to format this. My initial idea was to format is on a scarf; this would then also incorporate the press gift. The scarf would have to be purchased from the Topshop store as a self endorsing item.
However, it is important to consider the technicalities, how would I attached the release to the scarf in such a way that it would be readable, whilst also being wearable after the journalist has written the desired article.
My next idea was to have the press release formatted inside an empty packet of face wipes. Face wipes are obviously a festival necessity; this is where this link comes into play. However it is important to consider how this would work. The last sentence that the journalist would write would have to be placed in the face wipe packet first, so that it would be pulled out last – so on an so forth. It is the necessary to consider what type of fabric or material would be best; bearing in mind that it must be malleable.
My final idea was to print the release onto fabric and then to make it into something, for example a hat, socks, or a scarf – or any other festival related item.
What next?
I must consider further ways to format the press release, whilst considering other elements of the press pack.
Ultimately, I must think of the concept of my model and contact these models; who would work best etc.
Friday, 6 November 2009
Completing my 'customer profile board'.
What I have completed:
Today I completed my ‘customer profile board’; I use inverted commas as such, because it is more of a box. I have kept in with my theme of ‘keepsake’ throughout this project, and my customer profile board really reflects this.
I have used a wine case with two separate compartments, in one section I have included details about my primary customer, and in the second I have included details about my secondary customer.
I feel that this is a very successful way of representing my target group without using the traditional means of presentation. It reflects the whole concept of keeping things for sentimental value. The male and female shown are boyfriend and girlfriend and the box acts as mementos of things they do together, or have brought each other.
Today I have also been further communicating with Colin at Smile Plastics. It seems that the only option for me is to buy the £85 roll of plastic sheet – unless either of us thinks of an alternative.
I will maintain this conversation until we reach a solution.
Next stop:
Write the press release. To this I must think of a style I need to go along with, I feel the hippy-esque attitude that I used in my presentation really worked, and will look around for more hippy terms and phraseology. I will also have to think of puns for feets, boots and anything shoe-related.
Today I completed my ‘customer profile board’; I use inverted commas as such, because it is more of a box. I have kept in with my theme of ‘keepsake’ throughout this project, and my customer profile board really reflects this.
I have used a wine case with two separate compartments, in one section I have included details about my primary customer, and in the second I have included details about my secondary customer.
I feel that this is a very successful way of representing my target group without using the traditional means of presentation. It reflects the whole concept of keeping things for sentimental value. The male and female shown are boyfriend and girlfriend and the box acts as mementos of things they do together, or have brought each other.
Today I have also been further communicating with Colin at Smile Plastics. It seems that the only option for me is to buy the £85 roll of plastic sheet – unless either of us thinks of an alternative.
I will maintain this conversation until we reach a solution.
Next stop:
Write the press release. To this I must think of a style I need to go along with, I feel the hippy-esque attitude that I used in my presentation really worked, and will look around for more hippy terms and phraseology. I will also have to think of puns for feets, boots and anything shoe-related.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
What I have achieved:
Achievements:
Today has been more of a brain-storming day, rather than a practical work day.
My main focus was to consider how to display my customer profile board, bearing in mind that I had the primary customer of the teenage girl, and the secondary customer of the teenage boy.
These were to be represented through my previously-purchased Barbie and Ken dolls, however how could I present these in an interesting and appropriate format?
Inspiration actually came from a box I was intending to use for a previous project of mine.
The box was a wooden wine holder with two separate compartments, I initially considered putting Barbie in one, and Ken in another, however I ultimately decided that it would be more effective to put these on the lid that slid off. I would then fill the contents of the box with things that brought to mind hobbies, clubs, outings, holidays - things that my teenagers would typically do.
This box represents a keepsake box - very much like my Wellington boot, which is a keepsake item.
Little cards and photographs would be placed inside, maybe with hand scrawled notes, in keeping with the theme.
What next?
Unfortunately an incident with this box meant that it was broken and thus not suitable for use. I therefore must purchase one of these, and ensure I have everything else required for use, e.g. photographic paper, and luggage type tags.
Today has been more of a brain-storming day, rather than a practical work day.
My main focus was to consider how to display my customer profile board, bearing in mind that I had the primary customer of the teenage girl, and the secondary customer of the teenage boy.
These were to be represented through my previously-purchased Barbie and Ken dolls, however how could I present these in an interesting and appropriate format?
Inspiration actually came from a box I was intending to use for a previous project of mine.
The box was a wooden wine holder with two separate compartments, I initially considered putting Barbie in one, and Ken in another, however I ultimately decided that it would be more effective to put these on the lid that slid off. I would then fill the contents of the box with things that brought to mind hobbies, clubs, outings, holidays - things that my teenagers would typically do.
This box represents a keepsake box - very much like my Wellington boot, which is a keepsake item.
Little cards and photographs would be placed inside, maybe with hand scrawled notes, in keeping with the theme.
What next?
Unfortunately an incident with this box meant that it was broken and thus not suitable for use. I therefore must purchase one of these, and ensure I have everything else required for use, e.g. photographic paper, and luggage type tags.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Primary research - visit to the Smile Plastics factory
My Visit to Smile Plastics Factory.
I left this morning to visit the plastic factory, and arrived in Southport to derelict building, full of huge machinery – and lots of recyclable plastics in store!
It was so educational/exciting and all of the other clichés.
I took lots of photographs to be analysed in my sketchbook – I am to have completed this by tonight.
Colin also allowed me to take samples away with me for analysis, which I did.
Next I must annotate these and display them in my sketchbook, or alternatively find a means of displaying them that will carry the weight.
I sent Colin an email post my visit, I thanked him for the opportunity and said that I would definitely like to use Smile Plastics further in my project, stating specifically that I would like to purchase some plastic from him – this came in a massive roll and would be suitable for my entire press pack contents and container, however it was important that I attempted to get the cost, as this was £75 at present, a very hefty sum!
What next?
I will attempt to complete my customer profile board.
I left this morning to visit the plastic factory, and arrived in Southport to derelict building, full of huge machinery – and lots of recyclable plastics in store!
It was so educational/exciting and all of the other clichés.
I took lots of photographs to be analysed in my sketchbook – I am to have completed this by tonight.
Colin also allowed me to take samples away with me for analysis, which I did.
Next I must annotate these and display them in my sketchbook, or alternatively find a means of displaying them that will carry the weight.
I sent Colin an email post my visit, I thanked him for the opportunity and said that I would definitely like to use Smile Plastics further in my project, stating specifically that I would like to purchase some plastic from him – this came in a massive roll and would be suitable for my entire press pack contents and container, however it was important that I attempted to get the cost, as this was £75 at present, a very hefty sum!
What next?
I will attempt to complete my customer profile board.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Today's achievements:
My Productive Day:
Today has been very productive; I have printed off, stuck down and annotated a lot of work that has not been documented – due to lack of ink and the postal strike.
I visited ‘Toys R us’ and purchased some very hippy-esque clothing for my Barbie and Ken dolls, ready for the production of my customer profile board. I also utilised a poster from inside the Glastonbury Review, which I will consider using as a backdrop for my customer profile board.
The fact that I am using Barbie has resonance, relating to a conversation I had with Colin Williams from Smile Plastics, about the melting down and thus recycling of Barbie Dolls into plastic sheets to be used as designer work surfaces etc.
I have communicated with Colin from Smile Plastics who has told me that tomorrow looks promising for on the agenda. I am therefore using the remainder of the night as preparation for tomorrow, for example notebook and pen at the ready, camera on charge, everything packed!
I must utilise the day tomorrow to the best of my ability – I will buy samples of the Wellingtons if that is what is required, although I endeavour to use my charm to get as much free as humanely possible. Tomorrow I must document the day in sketchbook format, annotating images and samples provided for me.
What next?
I must get some sleep in preparation for a very hectic day!
Today has been very productive; I have printed off, stuck down and annotated a lot of work that has not been documented – due to lack of ink and the postal strike.
I visited ‘Toys R us’ and purchased some very hippy-esque clothing for my Barbie and Ken dolls, ready for the production of my customer profile board. I also utilised a poster from inside the Glastonbury Review, which I will consider using as a backdrop for my customer profile board.
The fact that I am using Barbie has resonance, relating to a conversation I had with Colin Williams from Smile Plastics, about the melting down and thus recycling of Barbie Dolls into plastic sheets to be used as designer work surfaces etc.
I have communicated with Colin from Smile Plastics who has told me that tomorrow looks promising for on the agenda. I am therefore using the remainder of the night as preparation for tomorrow, for example notebook and pen at the ready, camera on charge, everything packed!
I must utilise the day tomorrow to the best of my ability – I will buy samples of the Wellingtons if that is what is required, although I endeavour to use my charm to get as much free as humanely possible. Tomorrow I must document the day in sketchbook format, annotating images and samples provided for me.
What next?
I must get some sleep in preparation for a very hectic day!
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Research into River Island Employment
Today I must research further into exactly what it is that River Island looks out for in their staff. To do so I must locate an application form, to check the criteria, to make sure that the ‘people’ I am employing live up to this – if not, specialist training would be given.
What I achieved:
I located the form on the internet, the first and foremost question revolved around availability.
Questions then moved on to age, fashion retail experience, education, and right the work.
I filled in these questions in order to move onto the next stage.
I answered these from my perspective as a Sales Assistant at Newlook, therefore my retail experience was very high, having worked for the company for 3 ½ years.
I received feedback from the first set of questions which says that there was a great match between me and the criteria for a Sales Advisor for River Island, this was demonstrated in a table.
I next had to tell them more about my past experiences, and situations which I may or may not have had to handle.
This was ‘scenario’ type questions, yet there was no opportunity to elaborate of explain. I received feedback from this, then next I had to provide contact details – I would be updated of my progress via email.
I eagerly await this response.
What I achieved:
I located the form on the internet, the first and foremost question revolved around availability.
Questions then moved on to age, fashion retail experience, education, and right the work.
I filled in these questions in order to move onto the next stage.
I answered these from my perspective as a Sales Assistant at Newlook, therefore my retail experience was very high, having worked for the company for 3 ½ years.
I received feedback from the first set of questions which says that there was a great match between me and the criteria for a Sales Advisor for River Island, this was demonstrated in a table.
I next had to tell them more about my past experiences, and situations which I may or may not have had to handle.
This was ‘scenario’ type questions, yet there was no opportunity to elaborate of explain. I received feedback from this, then next I had to provide contact details – I would be updated of my progress via email.
I eagerly await this response.
Friday, 30 October 2009
Sketchbook Day
Today I must arrange a suitable time and date to visit the Smile factory in Southport.
I arranged to meet Colin Williamson on the coming Wednesday, but I took his number as things change in the industry and it’s important to take this into consideration. I must consider how I will get to Southport, the transport links and the costs.
I corresponded further with Sue from the Glastonbury office who assured me that she had put Glastonbury promotions in the post today, so I should receive them shortly which is very exciting!
Today I am going to be scouring Preston high street for different Wellington boots, analysing the prices and looking for a suitable brand from Glastonbury to collaborate with. I will note the competitors what I have no yet considered. I must then put these in sketchbook format.
What I achieved:
Today I have been working on collating all of my findings so far, this included research into existing ‘decorate your wellies’ services and Wellington customisation in general. Furthermore I annotated print screens and printout from environmentally friendly companies, ‘how can I recycle this?’ forum discussions, current services, Wedge Wellies, a case study: A Welly Good Idea and analysis of my PowerPoint slides.
Next I must research further into potential brands which would support my concept and product line.
I arranged to meet Colin Williamson on the coming Wednesday, but I took his number as things change in the industry and it’s important to take this into consideration. I must consider how I will get to Southport, the transport links and the costs.
I corresponded further with Sue from the Glastonbury office who assured me that she had put Glastonbury promotions in the post today, so I should receive them shortly which is very exciting!
Today I am going to be scouring Preston high street for different Wellington boots, analysing the prices and looking for a suitable brand from Glastonbury to collaborate with. I will note the competitors what I have no yet considered. I must then put these in sketchbook format.
What I achieved:
Today I have been working on collating all of my findings so far, this included research into existing ‘decorate your wellies’ services and Wellington customisation in general. Furthermore I annotated print screens and printout from environmentally friendly companies, ‘how can I recycle this?’ forum discussions, current services, Wedge Wellies, a case study: A Welly Good Idea and analysis of my PowerPoint slides.
Next I must research further into potential brands which would support my concept and product line.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Further research
Searching the net for more information:
Today I stumbled across a blog entitled ‘a welly good idea’. It was all about a second-hand welly swap idea.
The concept came from a mother in Bury St Edmunds and involved a local boutique. The blog was linked to a poem about ‘the boots that walked on landfill’, the whole campaign was launched to support ‘recycle week’, this was something I decided I must look further into.
From this one ladies blog, I was directed to another via hyperlink. This was entitled ‘The Compost Bin’, and was about a recycle fanatic ‘compost woman’, who had innovative ideas for recycling just about everything. Both intrigued and fascinated, I became a follower of ‘Compost Woman’ and ‘The Compost Bin’.
I then looked at ‘the recycle works’, a site about loving ‘your environment’.
They were selling children’s funky welllies for £10, a reduced discount from £15. This included stickers and paint pens. The promotion was clearly focussed towards a younger audience, as the language used involved ‘groovy’ and ‘funky’, very youthful expressive phrases.
A further site, Fizzpotzz parties, offered advice for decorating your own wellies, as well as a kit. It said the initial pair of Wellingtons were ‘plain’, however it did not state what colour they were, I therefore made enquiries about this.
I further looked into discussion forums, and people who would were talking about customising their own boots, to ‘stand out from the crowd’; I therefore knew that there was a market for this.
There were further decorating kits, with tips and advice. I therefore knew which paint I had to purchase in order to make this look authentic in the photo studio environment.
It seems this trend was not only being aimed at 3+, yet an article by the Royal Horticultural Society revealed that gardeners were picking up on this trend too. Fishmongers were likewise ‘doing it in their wellies’.
With regards to the ‘Wear Your Wellies Day’, as previously mentioned above. I noticed that BluePeter launched a Shoebiz appeal, this is obviously very outdated yet it gave me comfort knowing that such events took place on such a day, giving me an idea for my product launch.
Pupils were to play £1 and get to wear their Wellington boots to school, the event raised money for other, less fortunate, children.
What next?
I must collate all of this research into sketchbook format, ready for analysis.
Today I stumbled across a blog entitled ‘a welly good idea’. It was all about a second-hand welly swap idea.
The concept came from a mother in Bury St Edmunds and involved a local boutique. The blog was linked to a poem about ‘the boots that walked on landfill’, the whole campaign was launched to support ‘recycle week’, this was something I decided I must look further into.
From this one ladies blog, I was directed to another via hyperlink. This was entitled ‘The Compost Bin’, and was about a recycle fanatic ‘compost woman’, who had innovative ideas for recycling just about everything. Both intrigued and fascinated, I became a follower of ‘Compost Woman’ and ‘The Compost Bin’.
I then looked at ‘the recycle works’, a site about loving ‘your environment’.
They were selling children’s funky welllies for £10, a reduced discount from £15. This included stickers and paint pens. The promotion was clearly focussed towards a younger audience, as the language used involved ‘groovy’ and ‘funky’, very youthful expressive phrases.
A further site, Fizzpotzz parties, offered advice for decorating your own wellies, as well as a kit. It said the initial pair of Wellingtons were ‘plain’, however it did not state what colour they were, I therefore made enquiries about this.
I further looked into discussion forums, and people who would were talking about customising their own boots, to ‘stand out from the crowd’; I therefore knew that there was a market for this.
There were further decorating kits, with tips and advice. I therefore knew which paint I had to purchase in order to make this look authentic in the photo studio environment.
It seems this trend was not only being aimed at 3+, yet an article by the Royal Horticultural Society revealed that gardeners were picking up on this trend too. Fishmongers were likewise ‘doing it in their wellies’.
With regards to the ‘Wear Your Wellies Day’, as previously mentioned above. I noticed that BluePeter launched a Shoebiz appeal, this is obviously very outdated yet it gave me comfort knowing that such events took place on such a day, giving me an idea for my product launch.
Pupils were to play £1 and get to wear their Wellington boots to school, the event raised money for other, less fortunate, children.
What next?
I must collate all of this research into sketchbook format, ready for analysis.
Furthering my knowledge into 'green' products
Aims:
I must gather more information regarding the customisation of the boot.
Referring back to an old article I had analysed in my sketchbook, I had discussed www.cutouts.net. I therefore decided to revisit this site.
Achievements:
I was intrigued to discover that the company had developed massively. It had a completely new identity, the website had a new format, but the underlying principle was the same. The new identity name was ‘revolve’.
I searched different sections of the website for inspiration, including: news the ‘greenie weenies’, which actually provided me with inspiration for promotion.
I also looked at the different ‘materials’ section. The ranged from Circuit boards, juice cartons, plastic bags, and general plastics.
I read the company mission, which I learnt was not to save the planet, but to make an environmental difference, which was very plausible, considering their campaign.
It was the ‘bespoke’ section of the site which particularly intrigued me. When considering press gifts and packs, personalisation was key to create impact. I therefore enquired to graham@revolve.co.uk, whether there was anything for me in this section, briefly outlining the project.
The site also provided links to other environmentally friendly campaigns, which I found very useful.
I then decided to look down another route, previous campaigns for decorating wellies. I was overjoyed to discover one from Children’s Hospice, South West, who provided hints and tips on how to decorate your wellies, for Wear Your Wellies Day. This particularly inspired me, as – up until this point – I was completely oblivious that such a thing as ‘wear your wellies day’ existed.
I must gather more information regarding the customisation of the boot.
Referring back to an old article I had analysed in my sketchbook, I had discussed www.cutouts.net. I therefore decided to revisit this site.
Achievements:
I was intrigued to discover that the company had developed massively. It had a completely new identity, the website had a new format, but the underlying principle was the same. The new identity name was ‘revolve’.
I searched different sections of the website for inspiration, including: news the ‘greenie weenies’, which actually provided me with inspiration for promotion.
I also looked at the different ‘materials’ section. The ranged from Circuit boards, juice cartons, plastic bags, and general plastics.
I read the company mission, which I learnt was not to save the planet, but to make an environmental difference, which was very plausible, considering their campaign.
It was the ‘bespoke’ section of the site which particularly intrigued me. When considering press gifts and packs, personalisation was key to create impact. I therefore enquired to graham@revolve.co.uk, whether there was anything for me in this section, briefly outlining the project.
The site also provided links to other environmentally friendly campaigns, which I found very useful.
I then decided to look down another route, previous campaigns for decorating wellies. I was overjoyed to discover one from Children’s Hospice, South West, who provided hints and tips on how to decorate your wellies, for Wear Your Wellies Day. This particularly inspired me, as – up until this point – I was completely oblivious that such a thing as ‘wear your wellies day’ existed.
Developing a concept based on my SWOT analysis
I felt that, as I had acknowledged a flaw in my product – the fact that if it is muddy you will not be able to write on the boots, I should not only look into developing a solution, but look to develop an alternative.
I therefore thought that, if the Wellingtons were designed with signatures etc BEFORE the event, this would eradicate the problem, however this defeats the whole object of getting festival friends to sign the boots.
I therefore began to look into projects and companies who do such things with Wellington boots, or who provide such a service, and thought of ways I could manipulate this to my advantage.
My aims yesterday were to gain a substantial number of articles / stories revolving around this theme.
Below I have documented my achievements:
I looked into a company called ‘Wedge Welly’. This is a family orientated company who design Wellington with a wedge, and aim the boot specifically at festival-goers.
They are constantly looking for new ideas, I therefore sent my proposal over to them for approval/disapproval.
I had a reply from Mike at the family, saying he would discuss it when the trio were reunited on Friday and get back to me, so fingers crossed he considers it has potential to be developed.
I became a ‘follower’ of this company of Blogspot, and also joined the Facebook group, to be kept up to date with any of the companies developments.
I then came across a discussion forum on a site about ‘How Can I Recycle This?’ One lady had put up a post about ‘how can I reuse of recycle … old wellies?’
She stated that Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eaves hates all of the wellies being ditched. I was unaware of this perspective, but it actually grounded my proposal even further, especially with regards to the festival endorsement.
I posted my proposal on the site, and read other peoples comment ideas and perspectives.
I then accidentally stumbled across an ‘information inspiration’ site, in which an article talked about Dunlop recycled Wellington boots. The boots are made from polyurethane, PVC and rubber. The latter is a natural resource, but the former is not. The PVC also has a range of issues associated with it.
Dunlop offer a service which I found interesting. They ‘take back’ old Wellingtons from customers who send them through the post, the boots are ground down and manufactured into new boots. Perhaps Dunlop is a brand I could take onboard…
I visited their website, however, and could find no further knowledge of this. I then read on a blog that this system was no longer in place.
What next?
I must continue to look into the same strategies employed above, working how to target them at my specific demographic.
I therefore thought that, if the Wellingtons were designed with signatures etc BEFORE the event, this would eradicate the problem, however this defeats the whole object of getting festival friends to sign the boots.
I therefore began to look into projects and companies who do such things with Wellington boots, or who provide such a service, and thought of ways I could manipulate this to my advantage.
My aims yesterday were to gain a substantial number of articles / stories revolving around this theme.
Below I have documented my achievements:
I looked into a company called ‘Wedge Welly’. This is a family orientated company who design Wellington with a wedge, and aim the boot specifically at festival-goers.
They are constantly looking for new ideas, I therefore sent my proposal over to them for approval/disapproval.
I had a reply from Mike at the family, saying he would discuss it when the trio were reunited on Friday and get back to me, so fingers crossed he considers it has potential to be developed.
I became a ‘follower’ of this company of Blogspot, and also joined the Facebook group, to be kept up to date with any of the companies developments.
I then came across a discussion forum on a site about ‘How Can I Recycle This?’ One lady had put up a post about ‘how can I reuse of recycle … old wellies?’
She stated that Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eaves hates all of the wellies being ditched. I was unaware of this perspective, but it actually grounded my proposal even further, especially with regards to the festival endorsement.
I posted my proposal on the site, and read other peoples comment ideas and perspectives.
I then accidentally stumbled across an ‘information inspiration’ site, in which an article talked about Dunlop recycled Wellington boots. The boots are made from polyurethane, PVC and rubber. The latter is a natural resource, but the former is not. The PVC also has a range of issues associated with it.
Dunlop offer a service which I found interesting. They ‘take back’ old Wellingtons from customers who send them through the post, the boots are ground down and manufactured into new boots. Perhaps Dunlop is a brand I could take onboard…
I visited their website, however, and could find no further knowledge of this. I then read on a blog that this system was no longer in place.
What next?
I must continue to look into the same strategies employed above, working how to target them at my specific demographic.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Presentation day
Achievements since my last update:
Since I last updated the blog, I have presented to my peers. The presentation was very well received and feedback was good, however Paz expressed concern over the choice Brand I was assigning the product to. I therefore considered other options. The one which initially came to mind was Topshop. This is because this brand really breaks the barriers with regards to introducing new product lines.
Another issue Paz raised was one surrounding the 20% discount. This was thought of as unnecessary, which I had previously discovered.
I must make further progress on my sketchbook today. I must do this by putting in all of my development work to date.
I have many developmental stages from the website which need printing. Also web conversations which need annotating and samples to be included.
I have a print out of my presentation, which I will annotate so I can see where I have used specific theories etc, and how effective these have been with regards to my forms of promotion.
I have also been conversing with Dick from Glastobury and am awaiting the glastonbury wrist band to arrive.
What next?
After I have got my progress up to date with regards to sketchbook development I must refer to the instructions for this project to see what must be submitted and how long I have to complete this.
Since I last updated the blog, I have presented to my peers. The presentation was very well received and feedback was good, however Paz expressed concern over the choice Brand I was assigning the product to. I therefore considered other options. The one which initially came to mind was Topshop. This is because this brand really breaks the barriers with regards to introducing new product lines.
Another issue Paz raised was one surrounding the 20% discount. This was thought of as unnecessary, which I had previously discovered.
I must make further progress on my sketchbook today. I must do this by putting in all of my development work to date.
I have many developmental stages from the website which need printing. Also web conversations which need annotating and samples to be included.
I have a print out of my presentation, which I will annotate so I can see where I have used specific theories etc, and how effective these have been with regards to my forms of promotion.
I have also been conversing with Dick from Glastobury and am awaiting the glastonbury wrist band to arrive.
What next?
After I have got my progress up to date with regards to sketchbook development I must refer to the instructions for this project to see what must be submitted and how long I have to complete this.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Conversing with Smile Plastics (2)
Below is how the rest of the conversation with Smile Plastics mapped out:
-----Original Message-----From: Catherine Wilkinson [mailto:catherinewilkinson@rocketmail.com]Sent: 23 October 2009 20:02To: sales@smile-plastics.co.uk;cjw@smile-plastics.co.ukSubject: Second attempt :)
I am currently completing a project about the WellingtonBoot, It's been difficult to get support,
perhaps I should have gone down another route?
But then, all of a sudden, and thanks to the Google search,I discover Smile Plastics,and hope I'm no longer in the lurch. I am presenting to my peers on Wednesday, It's a bit like Dragons Den; you see, I've designed this product, put simply - it's a Wellington with a pen.
I'm dressing as an outlandish hippy to promote my festival wader,
I have to put on a 'groovy' show to get the listeners on my radar!I intend to start the presentationby referring to my tutor as 'dude',I hope he doesn't take offence,I hope he doesn't think it rude. I will then conduct a PowerPoint about my new creation,
A keepsake Wellington boot, which I hope will rock the nation.
But, alas, there I am, with the PowerPoint on the screen, Mind goes blank, I look down to my hands but NOTHING can be seen. What I am trying to ask, in a rather longwinded way, Is if I could please have some samples of your 'Recycled Plastic Sheet', 15cm x 10cm - or there around to my requirements this would meet.I look forward to hearing from you, thank you in anticipation, and I assure you,
that with your inputthe presentationwill beasensation Peace outCatherine Wilkinson
--- On Sat, 24/10/09, Colin Williamson <cjw@smile-plastics.co.uk> wrote:
From: Colin Williamson <cjw@smile-plastics.co.uk>Subject: RE: Second attempt :)To: "'Catherine Wilkinson'" catherinewilkinson@rocketmail.com>Date: Saturday, 24 October, 2009, 9:35 AMHi Fashionista CatherineThankyou for your poem. I think anybody who tries torhyme 'radar' with wader' deserves a first (you're not reading English though are you ? )And how could I refuse anyone with the same initials asmine.But CW You have made my generosity impossible to put into practice cos you haven't given me an address and also the post strike at the moment means that the chances of it getting to you by Wednesday are zero. You could download a few images off my website I guess, and use thoseOr you visit me here in Shrewsbury and you would not gohome empty handed
I await your next epistle with nervous anticipation.CheersColin
P.s. your tutor will be incredibly flattered to be referred to as 'dude'
-----Original Message-----From: Catherine Wilkinson [mailto:catherinewilkinson@rocketmail.com] Sent: 24 October 2009 10:56To: Colin WilliamsonSubject: RE: Second attempt :)
It's a good job that my project doesn't revolve around orange, otherwise all of this would be incredibly difficult!Please see below, your eagerly awaited response ...
Google helped me find you, so I refer to Google Maps,
Type in ‘Shrewbury’then ‘Preston’
And my idea seems to collapse.
The distance between us is alas too far and wide,
2 hours and 6 minutes,
so it seems in Preston I’ll reside.
But not all is lost,
As in this project there are so many stages,
Including a developmental sketchbook which has so many pages.
The samples could be used to show my thought process,
Pretending it’s coherent
Even if it is a mess
Later on in the project, When I work on my promotion
I could use the samples then
When the post service is in motion…
I have been conscious this time, not to digress
So please could you send some samples
To the following address:
78B Trinity Student village
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2HF
May I also enquire, along my new line of thought
And with the previous idea, which I had to abort,
What is the largest size sample you are willing to send out?
Any way dude – 'see ya about'
Fashionista Catherine :)
The reply:
I drove through bloody Preston yesterday ! I curse only because of the monumental queues between Preston and the M6 going North, took me nearly an hour to get to the M6 from bloody Preston.
Anyway the good news is that the postal strike is now over and I can put a small sample in the post today and maybe you will get it.
If you wanted to drive to Southport, they have a sample there of wellie boot but it is about 9x9cm - in fact it is a coaster, if you told them that Colin said it was ok then I am sure they would give you one.
So, no more poems, I must insist
Although they will be sorely missed.
They're really not your well honed skill
Although I think they're oddly brill
Catherine, you'll be a fashion guru
Forget old Blahnik, forget older Choo
Vogue's front cover next September
An image that we'll all remember
Catherine's wellies for the world to see
And I can say, "she used to write poetreee"
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH
Colin Williamson
Smile Plastics Ltd
Rufford Road
Southport
PR9 8LA
www.smile-plastics.co.uk
What next?
I will keep checking the post regularly to see if the plastic arrives, as of yet it hasn't. The presentation is tomorrow. I am waiting for a Glastonbury wristband to arrive too - which I hope will enhance my presentation.
-----Original Message-----From: Catherine Wilkinson [mailto:catherinewilkinson@rocketmail.com]Sent: 23 October 2009 20:02To: sales@smile-plastics.co.uk;cjw@smile-plastics.co.ukSubject: Second attempt :)
I am currently completing a project about the WellingtonBoot, It's been difficult to get support,
perhaps I should have gone down another route?
But then, all of a sudden, and thanks to the Google search,I discover Smile Plastics,and hope I'm no longer in the lurch. I am presenting to my peers on Wednesday, It's a bit like Dragons Den; you see, I've designed this product, put simply - it's a Wellington with a pen.
I'm dressing as an outlandish hippy to promote my festival wader,
I have to put on a 'groovy' show to get the listeners on my radar!I intend to start the presentationby referring to my tutor as 'dude',I hope he doesn't take offence,I hope he doesn't think it rude. I will then conduct a PowerPoint about my new creation,
A keepsake Wellington boot, which I hope will rock the nation.
But, alas, there I am, with the PowerPoint on the screen, Mind goes blank, I look down to my hands but NOTHING can be seen. What I am trying to ask, in a rather longwinded way, Is if I could please have some samples of your 'Recycled Plastic Sheet', 15cm x 10cm - or there around to my requirements this would meet.I look forward to hearing from you, thank you in anticipation, and I assure you,
that with your inputthe presentationwill beasensation Peace outCatherine Wilkinson
--- On Sat, 24/10/09, Colin Williamson <cjw@smile-plastics.co.uk> wrote:
From: Colin Williamson <cjw@smile-plastics.co.uk>Subject: RE: Second attempt :)To: "'Catherine Wilkinson'" catherinewilkinson@rocketmail.com>Date: Saturday, 24 October, 2009, 9:35 AMHi Fashionista CatherineThankyou for your poem. I think anybody who tries torhyme 'radar' with wader' deserves a first (you're not reading English though are you ? )And how could I refuse anyone with the same initials asmine.But CW You have made my generosity impossible to put into practice cos you haven't given me an address and also the post strike at the moment means that the chances of it getting to you by Wednesday are zero. You could download a few images off my website I guess, and use thoseOr you visit me here in Shrewsbury and you would not gohome empty handed
I await your next epistle with nervous anticipation.CheersColin
P.s. your tutor will be incredibly flattered to be referred to as 'dude'
-----Original Message-----From: Catherine Wilkinson [mailto:catherinewilkinson@rocketmail.com] Sent: 24 October 2009 10:56To: Colin WilliamsonSubject: RE: Second attempt :)
It's a good job that my project doesn't revolve around orange, otherwise all of this would be incredibly difficult!Please see below, your eagerly awaited response ...
Google helped me find you, so I refer to Google Maps,
Type in ‘Shrewbury’then ‘Preston’
And my idea seems to collapse.
The distance between us is alas too far and wide,
2 hours and 6 minutes,
so it seems in Preston I’ll reside.
But not all is lost,
As in this project there are so many stages,
Including a developmental sketchbook which has so many pages.
The samples could be used to show my thought process,
Pretending it’s coherent
Even if it is a mess
Later on in the project, When I work on my promotion
I could use the samples then
When the post service is in motion…
I have been conscious this time, not to digress
So please could you send some samples
To the following address:
78B Trinity Student village
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2HF
May I also enquire, along my new line of thought
And with the previous idea, which I had to abort,
What is the largest size sample you are willing to send out?
Any way dude – 'see ya about'
Fashionista Catherine :)
The reply:
I drove through bloody Preston yesterday ! I curse only because of the monumental queues between Preston and the M6 going North, took me nearly an hour to get to the M6 from bloody Preston.
Anyway the good news is that the postal strike is now over and I can put a small sample in the post today and maybe you will get it.
If you wanted to drive to Southport, they have a sample there of wellie boot but it is about 9x9cm - in fact it is a coaster, if you told them that Colin said it was ok then I am sure they would give you one.
So, no more poems, I must insist
Although they will be sorely missed.
They're really not your well honed skill
Although I think they're oddly brill
Catherine, you'll be a fashion guru
Forget old Blahnik, forget older Choo
Vogue's front cover next September
An image that we'll all remember
Catherine's wellies for the world to see
And I can say, "she used to write poetreee"
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH
Colin Williamson
Smile Plastics Ltd
Rufford Road
Southport
PR9 8LA
www.smile-plastics.co.uk
What next?
I will keep checking the post regularly to see if the plastic arrives, as of yet it hasn't. The presentation is tomorrow. I am waiting for a Glastonbury wristband to arrive too - which I hope will enhance my presentation.
Conversing with Smile Plastics
Over the last week I have been trying to think up creative ways to present my presentation…I resorted back to smile plastics, a company to make plastic sheets out of wellington boots.
Here is a conversation, in rhyme whereby I attempted to get the plastic sheets in time for the presentation.
Please see below:
I am currently completing a project about the WellingtonBoot, It's been difficult to get support,perhaps I should have gone down another route?
But then, all of a sudden, and thanks to the Google search,I discover Smile Plastics,and hope I'm no longer in the lurch.
I am presenting to my peers on Wednesday, It's a bit like Dragons Den; you see, I've designed this product, put simply - it's a Wellington with a pen.
I'm dressing as an outlandish hippy to promote my festival wader,I have to put on a 'groovy' show to get the listeners on my radar!
I intend to start the presentationby referring to my tutor as 'dude',I hope he doesn't take offence,I hope he doesn't think it rude.
I will then conduct a PowerPoint about my new creation,A keepsake Wellington boot, which I hope will rock the nation.
But, alas, there I am, with the PowerPoint on the screen,mind goes blank, I look down to my hands but NOTHING can be seen.
What I am trying to ask, in a rather longwinded way, Is if I could please have some samples of your 'Recycled Plastic Sheet', 15cm x 10cm - or there around to my requirements this would meet.
I look forward to hearing from you, thank you in anticipation,
and I assure you,that with your input the presentation will be a sensation
What next?
I wait eagerly to a reply and will update the next blog spot when I get one.
Here is a conversation, in rhyme whereby I attempted to get the plastic sheets in time for the presentation.
Please see below:
I am currently completing a project about the WellingtonBoot, It's been difficult to get support,perhaps I should have gone down another route?
But then, all of a sudden, and thanks to the Google search,I discover Smile Plastics,and hope I'm no longer in the lurch.
I am presenting to my peers on Wednesday, It's a bit like Dragons Den; you see, I've designed this product, put simply - it's a Wellington with a pen.
I'm dressing as an outlandish hippy to promote my festival wader,I have to put on a 'groovy' show to get the listeners on my radar!
I intend to start the presentationby referring to my tutor as 'dude',I hope he doesn't take offence,I hope he doesn't think it rude.
I will then conduct a PowerPoint about my new creation,A keepsake Wellington boot, which I hope will rock the nation.
But, alas, there I am, with the PowerPoint on the screen,mind goes blank, I look down to my hands but NOTHING can be seen.
What I am trying to ask, in a rather longwinded way, Is if I could please have some samples of your 'Recycled Plastic Sheet', 15cm x 10cm - or there around to my requirements this would meet.
I look forward to hearing from you, thank you in anticipation,
and I assure you,that with your input the presentation will be a sensation
What next?
I wait eagerly to a reply and will update the next blog spot when I get one.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Finishing Touches
The day before the hand-in was the day to make sure everything was perfectly collated.
I rehearsed my script for the presentation, and ensured that I was knowledgeable about the hand-in specifics.
I checked my final outcomes against the brief to ensure everything was spot-on.
I printed off all of my work today, for example the top 20 journalists list, and the press budget, as well as the invite and made finishing touches to the press release.
Submission is at 10:00 tomorrow, therefore I must make sure that everything is perfect and ready for this!
I rehearsed my script for the presentation, and ensured that I was knowledgeable about the hand-in specifics.
I checked my final outcomes against the brief to ensure everything was spot-on.
I printed off all of my work today, for example the top 20 journalists list, and the press budget, as well as the invite and made finishing touches to the press release.
Submission is at 10:00 tomorrow, therefore I must make sure that everything is perfect and ready for this!
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Achievements since my last post:
Achievements:
Since I have last updated my blog, I have been working on creating a booklet full of inspirations gathered along the way, to help me to evaluate at the end.
I have also finished the floor plan. I created this on Illustrator and produced a floor plan of the entry deck and then again of the observation deck. This successfully showed where all of my props would be, alongside where standard rooms would be.
I included annotations and a key to enable anyone viewing the floor plan to know exactly where everything would be placed.
I had to be careful when considering the way doors opened, so that this did not get in the way of the walking path of the journalists. I included arrows so that the path of direction was very obvious.
I had a meeting with Paz in which we discussed my invitation format, this left me feeling really confused as I wasn’t sure which idea to go with; I knew that the wine stopper idea was the more prestigious gift, but the other idea had a lot of creativity and innovation put into it.
I have received a response from Alex Shah at Diesel who said that he was impressed with the youthful nature I captured in my press release.
I have compiled a list of twenty journalists that I would like to invite, and then I have included details about a handful of others who I would invite if the former invitee’s could not come along.
I have made the necessary amendments to all photos bar one – I emailed Dave Schofield for information regarding this image as I needed some advice for improving the foreground area which was rather grey and insipid.
I have been to Staples a lot recently, enquiring about the best types of paper to use to achieve a really high quality result. I have formatted my invitation for the chest box if I decide to follow this trail of thought.
I have also considered making a roundel sticker for the disk which is to include my press shots. This roundel sticker will be placed on the CD which will be placed inside of the ditty-type box.
It much represent the Diesel brand both in colour and format and must be positioned accurately.
What next?
With only a few days to pull everything together for this project, I must buy some scroll handles, or find something which would be used as this. I must make necessary amendments to the text on the roundel, then get this printed.
I must enquire about how long it takes to bind, as my sketchbook will need to be bound and it is necessary to do this in advance rather than leave it until last minute.
I must also make the press release more creative and consider ways to finally present this.
Since I have last updated my blog, I have been working on creating a booklet full of inspirations gathered along the way, to help me to evaluate at the end.
I have also finished the floor plan. I created this on Illustrator and produced a floor plan of the entry deck and then again of the observation deck. This successfully showed where all of my props would be, alongside where standard rooms would be.
I included annotations and a key to enable anyone viewing the floor plan to know exactly where everything would be placed.
I had to be careful when considering the way doors opened, so that this did not get in the way of the walking path of the journalists. I included arrows so that the path of direction was very obvious.
I had a meeting with Paz in which we discussed my invitation format, this left me feeling really confused as I wasn’t sure which idea to go with; I knew that the wine stopper idea was the more prestigious gift, but the other idea had a lot of creativity and innovation put into it.
I have received a response from Alex Shah at Diesel who said that he was impressed with the youthful nature I captured in my press release.
I have compiled a list of twenty journalists that I would like to invite, and then I have included details about a handful of others who I would invite if the former invitee’s could not come along.
I have made the necessary amendments to all photos bar one – I emailed Dave Schofield for information regarding this image as I needed some advice for improving the foreground area which was rather grey and insipid.
I have been to Staples a lot recently, enquiring about the best types of paper to use to achieve a really high quality result. I have formatted my invitation for the chest box if I decide to follow this trail of thought.
I have also considered making a roundel sticker for the disk which is to include my press shots. This roundel sticker will be placed on the CD which will be placed inside of the ditty-type box.
It much represent the Diesel brand both in colour and format and must be positioned accurately.
What next?
With only a few days to pull everything together for this project, I must buy some scroll handles, or find something which would be used as this. I must make necessary amendments to the text on the roundel, then get this printed.
I must enquire about how long it takes to bind, as my sketchbook will need to be bound and it is necessary to do this in advance rather than leave it until last minute.
I must also make the press release more creative and consider ways to finally present this.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Recent Achievements:
Since my last blog entry, I have received my letter headed paper, business cards and T-shirt and pen through the post, this was very exciting – I have analysed these and displayed them in my sketchbook.
What else have I achieved?
I have since received dimensions of the whole ship from Nigel Coates, but not the specific room I require to work with, I may therefore have to find dimensions of rooms in standards ships and work with these.
I have been further looking at my list of twenty journalists to contact, I have sent out over 100 emails to different contacts at different magazines, and have had responses, mainly negative, from some of these mags.
Iona from Esquire magazine was very helpful, and as Diesel is someone who advertises with them very often, she was also able to guide me with my press release, which I sent over to her.
She was also able to tell me four journalists from her publication alone, that I should theoretically invite.
I have since had my photoshoot for the pack shots with Dave. This went successfully, and I managed to get a handful of decent shots for my press pack.
I have been experimenting with Photoshop, using the burn tool to bring out the grain in the wood, and using the pain bucket to make the text stand out more. I will continue editing these in order to decide which photos to ultimately save to disk.
I have further been experimenting with writing my invite. I have conducted research into pirate language, as I thought this would be a fitting way to invite the press, and something completely different from other invites they would be receiving.
I have since purchased a red glass bottle, as I am interested to see what this looks like with the white paper inside.
I have since been to HobbyCraft and purchased little trinkets, such as miniature parcels (to represent press gifts), wine bottles, star fish, shells, and sand, along with miniature cutlery and tea sets – so that the message in a bottle acts as a summary of what the event will entail.
I experimented with burning the paper, and staining it with coffee to make it look more authentic.
I printed to acetate, and attempted to format a little booklet, thinking of creative ways I could produce my press release. Because of the space it had to fit into in the pack, it was essential that it was narrow, and preferably on A3 scale paper, so that more information could be included.
I feel I have successfully completed the event budget.
What next?
I must get a move on with creating the floor plan – this is my next big task.
I must also regularly check my emails to see if I have responses from any other publications with regards to my query. I must produce my list of top 20 journalists.
What else have I achieved?
I have since received dimensions of the whole ship from Nigel Coates, but not the specific room I require to work with, I may therefore have to find dimensions of rooms in standards ships and work with these.
I have been further looking at my list of twenty journalists to contact, I have sent out over 100 emails to different contacts at different magazines, and have had responses, mainly negative, from some of these mags.
Iona from Esquire magazine was very helpful, and as Diesel is someone who advertises with them very often, she was also able to guide me with my press release, which I sent over to her.
She was also able to tell me four journalists from her publication alone, that I should theoretically invite.
I have since had my photoshoot for the pack shots with Dave. This went successfully, and I managed to get a handful of decent shots for my press pack.
I have been experimenting with Photoshop, using the burn tool to bring out the grain in the wood, and using the pain bucket to make the text stand out more. I will continue editing these in order to decide which photos to ultimately save to disk.
I have further been experimenting with writing my invite. I have conducted research into pirate language, as I thought this would be a fitting way to invite the press, and something completely different from other invites they would be receiving.
I have since purchased a red glass bottle, as I am interested to see what this looks like with the white paper inside.
I have since been to HobbyCraft and purchased little trinkets, such as miniature parcels (to represent press gifts), wine bottles, star fish, shells, and sand, along with miniature cutlery and tea sets – so that the message in a bottle acts as a summary of what the event will entail.
I experimented with burning the paper, and staining it with coffee to make it look more authentic.
I printed to acetate, and attempted to format a little booklet, thinking of creative ways I could produce my press release. Because of the space it had to fit into in the pack, it was essential that it was narrow, and preferably on A3 scale paper, so that more information could be included.
I feel I have successfully completed the event budget.
What next?
I must get a move on with creating the floor plan – this is my next big task.
I must also regularly check my emails to see if I have responses from any other publications with regards to my query. I must produce my list of top 20 journalists.
Considering the PowerPoint
Yesterday I presented my proposal to the workshop group; I feel that it was well received. I was given a sheet will ‘PowerPoint slide guide’ topics to be included.
Today’s blog will therefore encapsulate these requirements, I will provide a sentence for each, explaining how I intend to fulfil these objectives. Please see below:
PowerPoint Slide Guide.
- Product.
Is there a market for your product/service.
So far research has taught me that, due to the recession, people are looking to buy quality footwear, and not cheaper items – as they are aware that they will not get as much wear out of these.
With a Wellington boot, this is very different, as a Wellington is a practical item anyway – there is always a need for it, it is not a fashion statement. However, I have put a twist on this that should intensity the sales of this ‘necessary’ item, by making it a boot specifically for festival occasion. Festivals take place year on year; therefore I have a constant market.
Obviously Wellington boots are already in the market, yet my specific boot is a new addition. Not much explanation will be needed; its name is pretty much self explanatory ‘Signature Boot’.
With regards to promotion, the endorsement of Glastonbury festival will increase the hype surrounding the event.
The product is prevailing over its competitors. When teens are shopping for wellies, it is for the festival they are attending. The Glastonbury Signature Boots are the only wellies on the market that offer the wearer the opportunity to personalise them, acting as a mini chronicle of the festival attended.
The product is a pair of wellington boots, made from reclaimed plastic, and produced specifically for festival occasions. The boots have a clip-on pen attached, to encourage the wearer to get ‘festival friends’ to sign them with quirky messages, Facebook details, and mobile contact numbers etc. The Wellington would have a coloured tread in correlation to the colour of the festival wristband that year, with a serrated number representing the year of the festival, for example: 09, 10, 11. A transparent pouch on the side of the boot will provide a safe place for the festivalgoer to slot in their ticket.
2. Price
The price will be £24.99, this is the same price as other Wellingtons that River Island sell – no matter how elaborate or complex the design is.
This price is slightly higher than other High street retailers, for example Topshop and Newlook, yet it is the brand recognition that the customers are paying for.
Topshop wellies range from £15.00 - £60.00. The £60.00 is a Hunter concession in the store.
At present Newlook are not selling any Wellington boots to compare the price with.
The product isn’t limited edition, yet it is ‘special’ edition, in the respect that it is made specifically for festival occasions, and endorsed by Glastonbury.
There will be no external factors influencing the price of my product.
3. Place
People will buy the product from River Island stores. The would also be a stall at Glastonbury for people to buy them one they are there.
It will also be available online from both the River Island website and the Glastonbury festival website.
It can be delivered to you through mail order if brought from the website.
4. Promotion
A website should be used, alongside Facebook and social networking circles – e.g. twitter, to allow promotion.
Advertising would be placed in specialist press – to be confirmed.
My communication objectives are to establish credibility and to intensify sales.
5. People
River Island staff would be involved in the launch of the product. The sales assistant in the Greeting Zone of the River Island Store would welcome customers – inviting them to sign her Wellingtons. As the rota rotates a different person (with unsigned wellies) would be in this zone, encouraging new customers to sign his/her boots and so on and so forth.
With festival fever around, the excitement to get the latest gear would be immeasurable. The staff would dress in stereotypical ‘hippy’ gear, wearing outlandish headbands, ditsy dresses and leggings to complement the boots.
6. Persuasion
This is about creating an image, and giving the customers a snapshot of what the product looks like in situ. By creating interaction between customers/product/people/ the likelihood of sales would be intensified.
A further trading ploy is to offer the customers a service whereby if they were to trade last year’s Wellingtons in for recycling, they would receive a 20% discount off this year’s Wellington. This would guarantee sales, year on year.
My product would be predominantly focussed on penetrating the teenage demographic, who fall into socio economic group E. This is those who are reliant on the state, however, my primary customer would be students with subsidy from Student Loan Company (SLC) and Education Maintence Allowance (EMA), therefore my customer has disposable income to spend on Glastonbury, and consequently the Glastonbury Signature Boots.
7. Format
I must then consider the format of this, to include an introduction to market context, the main body of information, a basic SWOT analysis, conclusion to include a summary and reference to future development, include visuals, where appropriate to enhance the overall effect.
I must also try to include references to support my claims.
What next?
I will update the blog entry as I start to piece together my PowerPoint.
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Achievements over the last few days:
I have had a few days inbetween my last blog entry. I have spent these experimenting with creating web pages. I have also written my proposal for this brief. Below I have listed my achievements:
Achievements:
Since I last updated this blog entry, I have been further experimenting with creating web pages.
This has seen me trial out three different kinds of web links, inserting pictures, changing the background, adding tables, and altering the column widths.
All of this successfully aids my learning and development skills with regards to the internet.
I have also written my proposal. The proposal deadline is tomorrow, Wednesday 14th of October.
I followed a basic guideline for the proposal. This came under the following heading:
Product
Brand
The USP/ESP
People
Market Level.
The proposal was restricted to a maximum of A4 sized paper, therefore I had to ensure that I condensed all of my information – only providing the most relevant.
To elaborate, my product is the Glastonbury Festival Boot, which is being sold through high street retailer River Island, and being endorsed by Glastonbury Festival – increasing the hype surrounding the event.
The USP of my product is that it is a memento of the festival attended. This is also a USP as the customer will feel a sentimental attachment to the boot.
People – part of the 6 P’s of marketing, will be involved in my product post-launch.
This involves sales assistants wearing hippy-style clothing to get in with the festival vibes – this will also ensure they are on the customer’s wave length.
The market level was targeted at socio economic group e – those with the lowest form of subsidy, and are reliant on the state – yet my customers get money through the SLC and EMA, consequently they can afford to attend the festivals and therefore should feel the need to own these boots.
What next?
I will update this blog again when I have made further progress with the web design, and starting considering the PR side of this brief.
Achievements:
Since I last updated this blog entry, I have been further experimenting with creating web pages.
This has seen me trial out three different kinds of web links, inserting pictures, changing the background, adding tables, and altering the column widths.
All of this successfully aids my learning and development skills with regards to the internet.
I have also written my proposal. The proposal deadline is tomorrow, Wednesday 14th of October.
I followed a basic guideline for the proposal. This came under the following heading:
Product
Brand
The USP/ESP
People
Market Level.
The proposal was restricted to a maximum of A4 sized paper, therefore I had to ensure that I condensed all of my information – only providing the most relevant.
To elaborate, my product is the Glastonbury Festival Boot, which is being sold through high street retailer River Island, and being endorsed by Glastonbury Festival – increasing the hype surrounding the event.
The USP of my product is that it is a memento of the festival attended. This is also a USP as the customer will feel a sentimental attachment to the boot.
People – part of the 6 P’s of marketing, will be involved in my product post-launch.
This involves sales assistants wearing hippy-style clothing to get in with the festival vibes – this will also ensure they are on the customer’s wave length.
The market level was targeted at socio economic group e – those with the lowest form of subsidy, and are reliant on the state – yet my customers get money through the SLC and EMA, consequently they can afford to attend the festivals and therefore should feel the need to own these boots.
What next?
I will update this blog again when I have made further progress with the web design, and starting considering the PR side of this brief.
Friday, 9 October 2009
Achievements over the last few days:
I have managed to develop an idea since my last blog entry. I was set the task of thinking of ideas of ways in which my product could be seen as ‘environmentally friendly’ – this is almost a fundamental of all products on sale these days. Below I have listed my decisions and revisions with regards to this.
Achievements:
I located books from the library and also web pages which provided me with inspiration. Here I have documented what I have learnt, along with ways in which it has inspired me:
One point that particular caught my attentions was that I should not be creating a product, but instead a lifecycle. This taught me that not only should the product be environmentally sound, yet also that it should have some sort of service – to make it renewable in some respects.
I also learnt that natural materials are not always better – it must be taken into consideration the amount of material used, for example one sheet of plastic would not be seen as too environmentally devastating, in comparison to the wood off of two trees.
I can increase how environmentally friendly my product is by increasing the products life time. This means making it from high quality materials, yet also by making it recyclable.
Another way I could do this was by making it so that the owner did not want to give the product away, for example creating some sentimental attachment to it. It should be durable or upgradeable, or be a sort of memento – with regards to Wellington boots this ultimately means less plastic in land fill sites.
I was directed to the o2 website, which is a global network for sustainable design – I am still conducting research into this site.
My product:
The concept for my product came to me at about half 3 in the morning, when I was struggling to sleep, so I quickly got up and jotted it down.
I thought of the festival scenario and about making friends and wanting to keep in contact with them after the festival – nobodies thinks to bring a notepad, and phone batteries often die – and messages cannot be left on these.
I therefore developed the concept of a Wellington that could be signed with messages, contacts and details.
This would be in a simple colour or transparent plastic, and have a pen attached.
The seminar discussion helped me to develop my idea so that the tread colour was in correlation to the colour of the festival band that year, and the tread would have the number of the festival on it, for example: 08, 09, or 10.
It would have a transparent pouch for the festival ticket to be inserted.
What next?
The next stage is for me to create my written proposal. I will update the blog when this is done.
Achievements:
I located books from the library and also web pages which provided me with inspiration. Here I have documented what I have learnt, along with ways in which it has inspired me:
One point that particular caught my attentions was that I should not be creating a product, but instead a lifecycle. This taught me that not only should the product be environmentally sound, yet also that it should have some sort of service – to make it renewable in some respects.
I also learnt that natural materials are not always better – it must be taken into consideration the amount of material used, for example one sheet of plastic would not be seen as too environmentally devastating, in comparison to the wood off of two trees.
I can increase how environmentally friendly my product is by increasing the products life time. This means making it from high quality materials, yet also by making it recyclable.
Another way I could do this was by making it so that the owner did not want to give the product away, for example creating some sentimental attachment to it. It should be durable or upgradeable, or be a sort of memento – with regards to Wellington boots this ultimately means less plastic in land fill sites.
I was directed to the o2 website, which is a global network for sustainable design – I am still conducting research into this site.
My product:
The concept for my product came to me at about half 3 in the morning, when I was struggling to sleep, so I quickly got up and jotted it down.
I thought of the festival scenario and about making friends and wanting to keep in contact with them after the festival – nobodies thinks to bring a notepad, and phone batteries often die – and messages cannot be left on these.
I therefore developed the concept of a Wellington that could be signed with messages, contacts and details.
This would be in a simple colour or transparent plastic, and have a pen attached.
The seminar discussion helped me to develop my idea so that the tread colour was in correlation to the colour of the festival band that year, and the tread would have the number of the festival on it, for example: 08, 09, or 10.
It would have a transparent pouch for the festival ticket to be inserted.
What next?
The next stage is for me to create my written proposal. I will update the blog when this is done.
Achievements over the last few days:
Since I last updated my blog entry, I have made significant progress in this project. My achievements are listed below:
Achievements:
One major aim from last time was to have created a document with the details of 20 key journalists which I would invite to my event.
This was a lot more difficult that I anticipated – due to the product that I was promoting.
I was promoting a fashion brand, but a non fashion product.
I therefore looked for wine magazines, and fashion magazines that diverted from wholly fashion content.
So far I have come up with these magazines:
Decanter
Harpers wine and spirit trade review
Maxim Magazine UK
One Nation Magazine – a trading style of The Gay Nation ltd
At Home – food and drink, Anthony Worrall Thompson
The World of Fine Wine – fine wine mag
New wine magazine
Wine Spectator
Drapers
Grazia
Look
Marie Claire
Nuts
Vogue
Cosmopolitan
Glamour
FHM
FLIRT Magazine
Loaded
Men’s portal (online)
Shortlist
I have made efforts to contact journalists at each of these publications, as recorded in my sketchbook. I will wait a few days for any responses before compiling my final list of magazines and relevant journalists.
I have also started a Word document on the budget of my event. I have set this up in a tabular format, with sections on the: item, specifics, cost, and the source of that cost.
I must continue to communicate with Nigel at city cruises in order to formulate a very precise cost list.
I understand so far the charter costs, and that there will be a charge for corkage. This is, however, unavoidable with my event as the item that I am promoting is wine, so it would be catastrophic to promote anyone else’s.
I have also been to hobby craft to find little dolls house-like furniture to help me demonstrate things more visually on my floor plan.
I have had to rethink the floor plan because, after a workshop lesson, I learnt to consider things with regards to scale. I have also been swayed to experiment with Illustrator to complete this, which I am more than willing to do. I will, however, have to wait for details from Nigel with regards to dimensions of the space I have available to work with.
My Diesel wine bottle and the wine stopper have arrived in the post and I am delighted with them. I have arranged a photo shoot session for the bottle with Dave on Monday at 10:00am. I have therefore been considering different quirky elements to make my product look suitable for production in magazines.
This has involved buying a block red ring and red nail varnish for one shot where I envisage someone’s hand reaching out to hold the product.
The next shoot I can imaging is someone with red lipstick on, holding the bottle against their lips.
The ultimate shot is of the wine bottle next to someone’s red shoes. These different scenarios aim to make the product look more like a fashion accessory – I am hoping that this will make the story more appealing for the fashion journalists.
What next?
I must now consider ways in which I can package the press invite.
I will update my blog after going shopping for different colours of tissue paper, and see if anything catches my eye with regards to the press pack.
Achievements:
One major aim from last time was to have created a document with the details of 20 key journalists which I would invite to my event.
This was a lot more difficult that I anticipated – due to the product that I was promoting.
I was promoting a fashion brand, but a non fashion product.
I therefore looked for wine magazines, and fashion magazines that diverted from wholly fashion content.
So far I have come up with these magazines:
Decanter
Harpers wine and spirit trade review
Maxim Magazine UK
One Nation Magazine – a trading style of The Gay Nation ltd
At Home – food and drink, Anthony Worrall Thompson
The World of Fine Wine – fine wine mag
New wine magazine
Wine Spectator
Drapers
Grazia
Look
Marie Claire
Nuts
Vogue
Cosmopolitan
Glamour
FHM
FLIRT Magazine
Loaded
Men’s portal (online)
Shortlist
I have made efforts to contact journalists at each of these publications, as recorded in my sketchbook. I will wait a few days for any responses before compiling my final list of magazines and relevant journalists.
I have also started a Word document on the budget of my event. I have set this up in a tabular format, with sections on the: item, specifics, cost, and the source of that cost.
I must continue to communicate with Nigel at city cruises in order to formulate a very precise cost list.
I understand so far the charter costs, and that there will be a charge for corkage. This is, however, unavoidable with my event as the item that I am promoting is wine, so it would be catastrophic to promote anyone else’s.
I have also been to hobby craft to find little dolls house-like furniture to help me demonstrate things more visually on my floor plan.
I have had to rethink the floor plan because, after a workshop lesson, I learnt to consider things with regards to scale. I have also been swayed to experiment with Illustrator to complete this, which I am more than willing to do. I will, however, have to wait for details from Nigel with regards to dimensions of the space I have available to work with.
My Diesel wine bottle and the wine stopper have arrived in the post and I am delighted with them. I have arranged a photo shoot session for the bottle with Dave on Monday at 10:00am. I have therefore been considering different quirky elements to make my product look suitable for production in magazines.
This has involved buying a block red ring and red nail varnish for one shot where I envisage someone’s hand reaching out to hold the product.
The next shoot I can imaging is someone with red lipstick on, holding the bottle against their lips.
The ultimate shot is of the wine bottle next to someone’s red shoes. These different scenarios aim to make the product look more like a fashion accessory – I am hoping that this will make the story more appealing for the fashion journalists.
What next?
I must now consider ways in which I can package the press invite.
I will update my blog after going shopping for different colours of tissue paper, and see if anything catches my eye with regards to the press pack.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Reflection on achievements.
I have recently been focusing more on developing my ideas and have been researching as I have been going along; I have found this is a much more effective way to spend my time. Below are my achievements since my last post:
Achievements:
I have created a sample book of different fabrics, images and wallpapers which gave me inspiration for the interior of my cruise boat.
I then went to hobby craft to purchase furniture and furnishing which I hope will add to the visual impact of my floor plans.
I had some troubles getting the 3D version of my floor plan to print to the desired size. I think I will use the 2D version (which is still smaller than desired) I will attempt to mount this, and then frame it if possible, to add to the professionalism.
Since I last updated the blog, I have looked into the idea of using a letter headed paper and also personalised envelopes, including text and a security tint to add to the professionalism and also the brand recognition. This included research into existing examples.
I am yet to decide which means of sending the invite I will use, yet I will wait until all of my orders are here. I have created a further set of business cards based on the fact that they perfectly coordinate with the letter head and thus continuity is created through the campaign.
I have also sent out a questionnaire to aid my decision making process. This will help me to decide which line of thought is most suitable without getting my preferences in the way.
I am waiting for all the respondents to get back to me before I can collate my information of Microsoft Excel. I sent the questionnaire around to my whole of my Block at my student accommodation. This is 6 flats with 5 people per flat – potentially 30 questionnaires back.
I went to the Common Room to hand out more questionnaire’s personally ensuring that they respondents were pressurised to return them as I was present.
I have made amendments to the floor plan – adding extra fixtures and adding character’s to create realism.
What next?
I must wait for the results before I can make further progress. I am also waiting for a lot of work through the post which must be analysed before I make any more decisions.
Achievements:
I have created a sample book of different fabrics, images and wallpapers which gave me inspiration for the interior of my cruise boat.
I then went to hobby craft to purchase furniture and furnishing which I hope will add to the visual impact of my floor plans.
I had some troubles getting the 3D version of my floor plan to print to the desired size. I think I will use the 2D version (which is still smaller than desired) I will attempt to mount this, and then frame it if possible, to add to the professionalism.
Since I last updated the blog, I have looked into the idea of using a letter headed paper and also personalised envelopes, including text and a security tint to add to the professionalism and also the brand recognition. This included research into existing examples.
I am yet to decide which means of sending the invite I will use, yet I will wait until all of my orders are here. I have created a further set of business cards based on the fact that they perfectly coordinate with the letter head and thus continuity is created through the campaign.
I have also sent out a questionnaire to aid my decision making process. This will help me to decide which line of thought is most suitable without getting my preferences in the way.
I am waiting for all the respondents to get back to me before I can collate my information of Microsoft Excel. I sent the questionnaire around to my whole of my Block at my student accommodation. This is 6 flats with 5 people per flat – potentially 30 questionnaires back.
I went to the Common Room to hand out more questionnaire’s personally ensuring that they respondents were pressurised to return them as I was present.
I have made amendments to the floor plan – adding extra fixtures and adding character’s to create realism.
What next?
I must wait for the results before I can make further progress. I am also waiting for a lot of work through the post which must be analysed before I make any more decisions.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Thinking Green
Achievements:
I had gone passed the initial brainstorming stage of this project, however after class discussion it was revealed that a product has to do more than just be profitable, it has to have some effect on the environment – and a positive one at that!
Thinking green ideas:
I therefore started to think along the lines of how I could link something environmentally friendly to my specific product.
The rainfall Wellington that already exists would have been perfect and perhaps something which I could consider launching this again. Because of the feature of measuring rainfall I could argue that it is making us consider the current state of climate change, and hence making us more aware of environmental issues.
I came up with the further options below:
I could make the product light weight, so that they create less of a literal environmental footprint, this could be part of the campaign, yet also linked in some way to what the product direction is – and perhaps a competition of some kind.
The obvious would be to have a green pair of wellies, and green is an environmentally friendly colour, however – as it goes- most Wellingtons are green as it is, therefore this does not leave much for the imagination.
A further idea I had is that I could include a measuring kit with the pack, so that wearers could check the PH of the soil that gets trapped in the wellies, however I could not see how any of these would really appeal to my target audience of festival goers.
I could however see them appealing to gardeners and perhaps an older generation in general. I will think more on this point over the next couple of days and update the blog when I have a solution.
I had gone passed the initial brainstorming stage of this project, however after class discussion it was revealed that a product has to do more than just be profitable, it has to have some effect on the environment – and a positive one at that!
Thinking green ideas:
I therefore started to think along the lines of how I could link something environmentally friendly to my specific product.
The rainfall Wellington that already exists would have been perfect and perhaps something which I could consider launching this again. Because of the feature of measuring rainfall I could argue that it is making us consider the current state of climate change, and hence making us more aware of environmental issues.
I came up with the further options below:
I could make the product light weight, so that they create less of a literal environmental footprint, this could be part of the campaign, yet also linked in some way to what the product direction is – and perhaps a competition of some kind.
The obvious would be to have a green pair of wellies, and green is an environmentally friendly colour, however – as it goes- most Wellingtons are green as it is, therefore this does not leave much for the imagination.
A further idea I had is that I could include a measuring kit with the pack, so that wearers could check the PH of the soil that gets trapped in the wellies, however I could not see how any of these would really appeal to my target audience of festival goers.
I could however see them appealing to gardeners and perhaps an older generation in general. I will think more on this point over the next couple of days and update the blog when I have a solution.
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Today's achievements
Today I conducted research into my initial idea – Wellington’s and which Wellington’s are available at present on the market. I was looking for a Wellington with a creative gadget or addition that would make it useful and appealing to it’s target market. Below I have listed my achievements:
I believe that I covered a lot of research today. I must ensure that I follow up these lines of enquiry and, after a meeting with my peers today, I have decided that it is a necessity to include something environmentally friendly as this is key and will help to sell my product. I will update this entry tomorrow evening.
Achievements:
- I discovered three very ‘cool’ ideas that are on the market. One was a rainfall measuring Wellington boot which measures the scale of rain fall along the side – allowing the wearer to measure how deep the water is.
- I found other sites for further research: www.NewLook.co.uk/Wellies.
- I also discovered www.tent-shopibexcamping.co.uk and www.my1stwish.co.uk .
- A further creative invention which I came across was a self-heating Wellington boot. Named the Self-Heating Gum Boot it works by a small electrical circuit heating the base of the boot, using the same principle as an electric blanket.
- Another invention was the Torch Gum Boot – in which a small torch in the toe aids the wearer to their destination – i.e. their camping tent.
- There is also a self-flushing gum boot which uses a high pressure water jet and fountains of warm air.
- I needed to see whether my product had a space in industry. I therefore referred to Mintel Oxygen to look at different marketing reports.
- There were no specific reports for Wellington boots; however I looked initially down the path of garden supplies – what wellies were initially worn for.
- I discovered that garden supplies were on the decrease because of climate change and the somewhat appalling weather conditions. I therefore knew that this was not the correct area to target my product.
- However, I believed that festivals would be ideal. The teenage socioeconomic range E has a high amount of disposable income, because of the concept that they tend not to have as many bills to pay etc. Therefore I know people could potentially buy my product.
- Also, festivals are popular no matter what the weather is. In fact, the muddier and wetter - the better.
- Market research also taught my that high end brands suffered when other lower brands such as Newlook started promoting their shoe ranges because of the price difference.
- Impulse buying is still very high – and can be tapped into with clever promotion.
- Fashion footwear is treated as an accessory to an overall look – I could work with this when promoting my Wellingtons.
Reflection:
I believe that I covered a lot of research today. I must ensure that I follow up these lines of enquiry and, after a meeting with my peers today, I have decided that it is a necessity to include something environmentally friendly as this is key and will help to sell my product. I will update this entry tomorrow evening.
Yesterday's achievements:
I have only had the opportunity to update my blog this morning as I have been so heavily inundated with work! Yesterday was, however, a very successful day for me with regards to decision making. Below I have listed my achievements and how then a section on my reflection.
Achievements:
Achievements:
Yesterday I decided the actual focus of my project. I decided to use client: Diesel.
I then further decided that it would be Diesel wine from the Diesel farm that I am promoting at my PR event.- I came to these conclusions after weighing up my research so far and looking for where there is a gap in the market to be filled.
- This decision provoked lots of innovative thought. Consequently I thought of ways of presenting my invite in an interesting way.
- I decided that either a personalised wine bottle, a message in a bottle, or a personalised cork as an incentive/token at the event would be brilliant, innovative ways to push this event in the right direction.
- I therefore ordered a personalised bottle of wine from Abstract Bottles.
- I chose the colour, image, label and packaging for this. It came up to just under £30. I therefore had to consider how much this would cost for 20 journalists – this would be £600 out of my budget, for the mere invite alone, this is quite a large sum.
- I also researched into existing invitations to press events and the like, consider other – cheaper options.
- Once I had considered my line of thought, I began to expand on it. I followed the whole nautical route and decided that I could host my event aboard a ship.
With regards to location, I researched into top cities where my event could be held, but ultimately concluded that London would be the best option for me, being home to the key journalists I would be looking to invite. - I discovered City Cruises – London’s Premier Riverboat operator. After research into this I discovered that it hosts corporate events such as I am looking to hold.
I therefore printed off the menu – please find attached in the portfolio. - I analysed specific dishes to see which would be the best for my event – in continuation with my theme.
Reflection and aims:
In reflection I feel that I made huge progress yesterday with regards to decision making. I did not, however, further my research into floor plans as intended.
However, now that I have a clear direction I will aim to develop my knowledge of creating these floor plans – in the shape of my cruise ship. I must therefore analyse different formats from these.
A key necessity from today will be that I must find out prices of hosting my event aboard this ship, and then costs for the food too. I should also consider publications that may publish my article, and find appropriate journalists from these newspapers/magazines who would publish an article.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Receiving the brief.
I was set product development brief FM2023 one week ago tomorrow.
I have been attempting to think of a product unique/quirky enough to be successfully promoted.
My initial idea during class discussion was to promote a very useful Wellington boot.
The welly would be specifically designed for festivals, consequently it would have different compartments and gadgets to save the festival-goer from carrying unnecessary things around in his/her hand – when all they want to do is dance to the music!
According to the brief I must:
Choose an existing fashion related company and launch a new product or revamp an existing product that has gone off the boil. Once I have chosen my product/company, I then have to research that particular area of the market and justify why there is sufficient gap to be filled by this new product/re-launch.
This will involve extensive research and target customer examination. I must then decide on the best method of promoting my new product/company and produce the necessary promotional material.
This timeblog will help me to manage my time accordingly, to keep the project on line.
A week has gone already. The project commenced on: 23rd September 09.
Tomorrow I must stringently begin conjuring up a product to promote and a relevant brand.
This will therefore be my main focus of the day.
I will update this blog tomorrow evening to demonstrate what I have achieved and how I could improve my methodologies.
I have been attempting to think of a product unique/quirky enough to be successfully promoted.
My initial idea during class discussion was to promote a very useful Wellington boot.
The welly would be specifically designed for festivals, consequently it would have different compartments and gadgets to save the festival-goer from carrying unnecessary things around in his/her hand – when all they want to do is dance to the music!
According to the brief I must:
Choose an existing fashion related company and launch a new product or revamp an existing product that has gone off the boil. Once I have chosen my product/company, I then have to research that particular area of the market and justify why there is sufficient gap to be filled by this new product/re-launch.
This will involve extensive research and target customer examination. I must then decide on the best method of promoting my new product/company and produce the necessary promotional material.
This timeblog will help me to manage my time accordingly, to keep the project on line.
A week has gone already. The project commenced on: 23rd September 09.
Tomorrow I must stringently begin conjuring up a product to promote and a relevant brand.
This will therefore be my main focus of the day.
I will update this blog tomorrow evening to demonstrate what I have achieved and how I could improve my methodologies.
Continued research into floor plans and general decision making:
Today I aim to further my research into floor plans and also think of an interesting way I can present this to my peers in a few weeks time.
I must analyse different formats, keys and use of colour to establish which is the most effective. To do so I must make sure that I am 100% certain on my brand and location.
Once I have done so I must start sourcing catering resources and research the cost of prices for the day.
I must search online and around businesses for invitations, not necessarily to press events as this must be very difficult, but general invites to look for interesting phrasing used in the invite, the weight of paper use, the folding and the general layout.
By the end of today I aim to have at least set up a document for my ‘top 20 key journalists important to your brand’. This should be an A4 document set up on Microsoft word – later mounted onto appropriate mount board.
Likewise I should at least construct a file on Microsoft word, on A4 paper for my Event Budget.
My main task of today will be to make clear decisions about the direction I aim to go with this project; therefore I MUST have decided which brand I am going to follow with my promotion.
I will analyse my sketchbook at this stage and see if there is anything which I feel must be included. I am still missing links between sections which I will attempt to rectify by the end of today.
I will update the blog later this evening which an entry about my achievements for today, and then I will reflect on my progress.
I must analyse different formats, keys and use of colour to establish which is the most effective. To do so I must make sure that I am 100% certain on my brand and location.
Once I have done so I must start sourcing catering resources and research the cost of prices for the day.
I must search online and around businesses for invitations, not necessarily to press events as this must be very difficult, but general invites to look for interesting phrasing used in the invite, the weight of paper use, the folding and the general layout.
By the end of today I aim to have at least set up a document for my ‘top 20 key journalists important to your brand’. This should be an A4 document set up on Microsoft word – later mounted onto appropriate mount board.
Likewise I should at least construct a file on Microsoft word, on A4 paper for my Event Budget.
My main task of today will be to make clear decisions about the direction I aim to go with this project; therefore I MUST have decided which brand I am going to follow with my promotion.
I will analyse my sketchbook at this stage and see if there is anything which I feel must be included. I am still missing links between sections which I will attempt to rectify by the end of today.
I will update the blog later this evening which an entry about my achievements for today, and then I will reflect on my progress.
Monday, 28 September 2009
Reflection on achievements.
Below I have listed my achievements of today, and have also reflected on how I could have improved, or noted any obstacles I had to overcome.
Today's achievements:
- Today I went into Preston town to collect business cards. I was initially very apprehensive knowing that hairdressers are usually closed on a Monday I thought this would be a major limitation, as this is a profession most renowned for holding ‘business’ or ‘salon’ cards.
- I managed to pick up a range of business cards and cards with similar properties from companies such as: Regis, The Mall, Dr&Herbs, Samaritans, Scouts and Rymans.
- I found that charities used business-type cards a lot, however there’s was for a different reason, I called it a ‘pocket friend’, something victims, for example of domestic abuse, could carry around with them.
- Banks were keen holders of business cards for individual staff members to show intimacy with new clients. Alliance Leicester, Halifax and Lloyds provided cards for me.
- I later paid a visit to Granthams and saw a whole stand of mock business cards, alluring potential customers to try different formats and coatings, for example laminated, UV, gloss.
- There were also different weights of paper, different qualities and slightly different sizes.
- I found the standard size to be: 85x55 mm. The rounded corners and abnormally shaped cards added character, whilst still adhering to the main necessities of a business card.
- I also analysed example business cards and found some to be potentially useable, yet others had unnecessary additions, for example the signature strip.
- After including these business cards in my sketch book, and annotating them with regards to size, style, colour, format, imagery and information provided I them moved on to look at the floor plan.
- After researching basic examples of floor plans on Google Images, I used the search engine to generate a useful site for me. I discovered Floorplanner.
- I viewed a demo of a completed floor plan, both in 2D and 3D, which gave me great motivation to create something so professional in appearance myself.
- I also had a trial run of creating my own, just acquainting myself with the software.
In Reflection:
I feel that today has been as extremely successful day for me with regards to making progress. I have considered options for business cards that I never considered before – for example different shapes and the UV coating which really inspired me to be creative with my design.
I am delighted to have discovered floor planner software and will spend tomorrow getting to grips with the programme. I must also begin research into event invitations.
I am very happy to have all the work assembled in my portfolio and to have it sectioned off making it easily digestible and understandable.
Research into Business Cards.
I will begin today by going on a mission for business cards. Annoyingly it is Monday and therefore most hairdressers will be closed and this is usually where most business cards can be found!
I will also go to Grantham’s and staples to see if I can find any price lists to get these printed professionally. Once I have acquired enough business cards I will present these in my portfolio ready to be annotated.
When annotation I will look out for the format of the business card, paying particular attention to the placement on the logo and also for the use of graphics.
I will study which details are necessary to be included and those which are only occasionally included.
I will then complete a mock up of a business card on Photoshop, and will experiment with Photoshop to see if there are any templates I can use.
I will try to think of something more innovative than the standard business card, whilst still complying with the style and dimensions.
I will research into the best weight and texture of paper to use for the business card by visiting Granthams and acquiring samples of their paper.
Once I have completed this research I will research into floor plans, I will first use the internet as a research tool.
I will analyse these with regards to interesting ways of presenting floor plans, whilst also hoping they will inspire me to create my own.
I will update the blog later with my achievements and reflection.
I will also go to Grantham’s and staples to see if I can find any price lists to get these printed professionally. Once I have acquired enough business cards I will present these in my portfolio ready to be annotated.
When annotation I will look out for the format of the business card, paying particular attention to the placement on the logo and also for the use of graphics.
I will study which details are necessary to be included and those which are only occasionally included.
I will then complete a mock up of a business card on Photoshop, and will experiment with Photoshop to see if there are any templates I can use.
I will try to think of something more innovative than the standard business card, whilst still complying with the style and dimensions.
I will research into the best weight and texture of paper to use for the business card by visiting Granthams and acquiring samples of their paper.
Once I have completed this research I will research into floor plans, I will first use the internet as a research tool.
I will analyse these with regards to interesting ways of presenting floor plans, whilst also hoping they will inspire me to create my own.
I will update the blog later with my achievements and reflection.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Reflection on achievements.
I have worked religiously today to ensure that I am on target, ready to move on from the point of brand research for tomorrow. The work has paid off, as I have just finished the research into my final brand. Below I have listed exactly what I have achieved.
Today's achievements:
Today's achievements:
- All work has been presented in my portfolio by taking screen prints, cutting, pasting and annotating either relevant information or generally points which have inspired me in some ways.
- I have contacted relevant persons at the two finals brands: Diesel and howies.
Research into Diesel taught me that the brand has a wide variety of stock and product lines which are open to promotion. - Diesel also has retailers in Manchester which I could contact for primary research if permitted.
- I successfully researched into certain ‘newsworthy’ elements of both brands and presented my findings.
- I further looked into the history of Diesel and howies, picking out any key points which could be used as hooks in a press release.
- Similarly I discovered that howies is an extremely broad brand.
- I contacted addresses provided on the site, and also signed up for a newsletter and ordered a catalogue – all of these would ensure I was fully aware of the brand’s movements and progress at the time of completing this project.
- I went shopping today and brought an A3 ring binder folder to present my portfolio work in.
- I also brought plastic wallets and page numbers to present my work professionally.
- One thing I would like to develop from my work last year is the ability to make it flow.
This project will flow freely with the addition of black card in between different sectors, with links saying what I intend to do next.
In Reflection:
In reflection I feel that today was very successful, my work is presented in a neat and professional format, and all of the information that I hoped I would gain has been researched at this stage.
I must now prepare for tomorrow and moving the project forward drastically. I should research both invitations and business cards for inspiration to create my own.
Continuing Research into the Remaining Brands.
Today I must continue research into the two remaining brands: Diesel and Howies.
Diesel is a brand that I have previous knowledge of, having clothing and accessories on sale that are aimed specifically at my demographic.
I do, however, have very little knowledge of Howies as a brand. I must therefore ensure that I am completely knowledgeable of this brand and it’s ethos before I decide to eliminate it/use it.
I will take print screens off of both sites and later highlight the information and annotate it in my portfolio.
I must contact Diesel and Howies through any means possible and keep my forms of primary research (e.g. email) as evidence.
I will check to see whether I have received any information in the post from brands: Alessi, Swatch and Puma that I previously contacted.
Another task I have set myself for today is to think of the best means of presenting my project.
I will visit stores in town to think of the most effective way of demonstrating my progress.
I must then arrange any work completed so far into this portfolio.
I will visit different shops in town to collect company business cards. I should then analyse these with regards to typography and format.
If I complete this, I must then begin research into the event invitation if possible finding examples of this online and analysing these.
I will update my blog at the end of today stating my achievements and reflection on how I could improve my work ethic.
Diesel is a brand that I have previous knowledge of, having clothing and accessories on sale that are aimed specifically at my demographic.
I do, however, have very little knowledge of Howies as a brand. I must therefore ensure that I am completely knowledgeable of this brand and it’s ethos before I decide to eliminate it/use it.
I will take print screens off of both sites and later highlight the information and annotate it in my portfolio.
I must contact Diesel and Howies through any means possible and keep my forms of primary research (e.g. email) as evidence.
I will check to see whether I have received any information in the post from brands: Alessi, Swatch and Puma that I previously contacted.
Another task I have set myself for today is to think of the best means of presenting my project.
I will visit stores in town to think of the most effective way of demonstrating my progress.
I must then arrange any work completed so far into this portfolio.
I will visit different shops in town to collect company business cards. I should then analyse these with regards to typography and format.
If I complete this, I must then begin research into the event invitation if possible finding examples of this online and analysing these.
I will update my blog at the end of today stating my achievements and reflection on how I could improve my work ethic.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Today's achievements
It has passed midnight - technically it looks like I am a day late with this blog entry, but I am very please with my efforts today. I have worked very hard and feel that my research is really beginning to develop into independent thought, and consequently ideas are beginning to flow.
Below I will list what I have achieved, in comparison to what I hoped I would.
Today’s achievements:
Below I will list what I have achieved, in comparison to what I hoped I would.
Today’s achievements:
- Today I successfully completed research into two brands: Swatch and Puma.
This research included contacting both the PR and press departments of the brands, asking for extra information. - I subscribed to the Puma newsletter which will give me more information about Puma’s brand development.
- I discovered that the product ranges in both brands were a lot broader than I expected – both covering not only apparel but also jewellery, handbags and footwear.
- I felt that particularly Puma concentrated on a large target audience covering men women and children, at what seemed to be a vast age span.
- Swatch had a graphic art section, which included designers promoted through the brand – this is something that Swatch are really trying to push at the moment, and therefore any promotion I may decide to create must follow this sort of theme.
- Both brands covered a broad range with regards to the cities their stores were found in, and also the areas covered on their internet site.
- Swatch had downloadable wallpapers on their site. I considered this a brilliant piece of advertising, particularly where portable laptops are concerned.
- Swatch and Puma both had viewable media calendars on their sites, these taught me which events were considered significant by media professionals, for example not only special events such as Christmas and Easter - but also media events – press conferences, results, meetings.
- I requested magazines from Swatch and Puma – I believed I would find these more tangible forms of research.
- I looked thoroughly into the Puma history – including the puma vision, retail statement, company backgrounder, timeline, brand strategy, corporate mission, corporate values and S.A.F.E concept.
- I presented both research categories in my portfolio, annotated and highlighted – ready to draw conclusions from.
In Reflection:
I believe that today I successfully completed in depth research into the brands: Swatch and Puma. Although I intended to cover remaining brands: Diesel and Howies, I feel that today’s research has been particularly beneficial and therefore do not see myself as being behind in the project.I will however aim to have finished all research into brands by tomorrow evening, so that on Monday I can more forward with research and actual production of all necessary constituents in the project. Tomorrow I will complete the research above using the same methods I used today. If I complete this I will begin research into product shots and business cards, collecting these from Preston town during the day if I have enough time, or desire a break from the portfolio!
Continuing Research Into The Remaining Brands.
Today I must aim to further my research into the brands I have to choose from. Having completed Alessi research yesterday I have put a cross next to that one, and now will focus my attention on the four remaining brands which are: Swatch, Puma, Diesel and Howies.
I must visit the website of each of these brands taking screen prints of anything I feel will be relevant. This can be articles on the sites used to promote the brand; most certainly press releases would be brilliant if they were made available.
I will pay attention to the use of colour by the brand – I must later choose one of these brands to create my own press pack for, it would look very unprofessional if the press pack and invitation had a theme and colour scheme of its own, rather than adhering to the ideologies of the brand.
I must look through products promoted on the site, and see if any of these inspire me at all. I will then think about if/how a product could be developed and later promoted.
I will constantly think about the press event location, and see if anything on the site inspires me with regards to place and props.
I must use contact forms on the sites and email addresses provided and conduct primary research, writing to each of the brands and asking for newsletters/brochures/magazines, anything which will give me an idea about brand typography and format/layout.
Once I have completed the above, I should print out all necessary items and prepare them for inclusion in my portfolio. This should involve highlighting necessary text, and annotating printouts.
I will update my progress later on this evening.
I must visit the website of each of these brands taking screen prints of anything I feel will be relevant. This can be articles on the sites used to promote the brand; most certainly press releases would be brilliant if they were made available.
I will pay attention to the use of colour by the brand – I must later choose one of these brands to create my own press pack for, it would look very unprofessional if the press pack and invitation had a theme and colour scheme of its own, rather than adhering to the ideologies of the brand.
I must look through products promoted on the site, and see if any of these inspire me at all. I will then think about if/how a product could be developed and later promoted.
I will constantly think about the press event location, and see if anything on the site inspires me with regards to place and props.
I must use contact forms on the sites and email addresses provided and conduct primary research, writing to each of the brands and asking for newsletters/brochures/magazines, anything which will give me an idea about brand typography and format/layout.
Once I have completed the above, I should print out all necessary items and prepare them for inclusion in my portfolio. This should involve highlighting necessary text, and annotating printouts.
I will update my progress later on this evening.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Reflection on achievements.
It is coming to the end of what has been a very long day!
Below I will list what I have achieved, in comparison to what I endeavoured to achieve. I will then reflect on my progress assessing how I may go about thing differently depending on any obstacles that arose over the course of the day.
Today’s achievements:
- Today I successfully completed in depth research into the brand Alessi.
- This research included secondary research via the Alessi website into areas of the brand such as: Environment, typology, colour and designer.
- I discovered a lot more about a brand that I was initially clueless about. For example Alessi products span across areas of your household, including: dining room, kitchen, office, bathroom, bar and living room.
- I also completed two attempts to try to contact Alessi. One for general information, and another for an Alessi catalogue I believed both would be useful in inspiring me to conjure up a product, whilst also providing me with further knowledge of the brand.
- Alessi’s promotional channel was particularly relevant. It included solutions for corporate gifts, incentives, promotions and meetings which I believed would be ideal for some in-house styling for a potential press event – if I were to carry on looking further into the Alessi brand.
- The Alessi brand logo and colour scheme have become prominent in my mind and I would be ready to utilize these in promotion if and when necessary.
- I discovered that Alessi has a trio character, in the respect that it is “three collections, one identity”. This in itself is a company USP.
- There is an Alessi museum which students can visit and also Alessi ‘Wonder Shops’, one being located in Manchester, therefore this is something I should look into.
- Today I also analysed four Alessi press releases, familiarising myself with the Alessi style which I soon realised was concise, accessible and above all – knowledgeable of the product. With regards to format, Alessi produced their press releases in a very similar style to a journalist’s news story, and therefore may be deemed a ‘friend of the press’, by making it very simple for the to use the information provided.
- My contacts, Alex and Ed, at WideWorld online magazine provided me with press releases which I analysed with regards to diction, imagery, placement, typeface and format.
- I analysed all of the above findings and prepared them for my portfolio.
In Reflection:
I feel today was very productive with regards to research into press releases, however not so productive in the respect that I did not get as far with the research into brands as I had anticipated.
Although the research into press releases taught me a lot, and certainly gave me knowledge needed to prepare my own, I am not content with the amount of research into brands that I achieved, therefore I will make this my sole focus of tomorrow.
I feel that I spend a lot of time on making my sketchbook neat and presentable, therefore I am suggesting that I should initially collate all of the information then analyse it and write it up at a later date, so that I am making steady progress in the field of decision making.
Commencing Research
Aims:
Today I aim to conduct in depth research into the following brands:
Today I aim to conduct in depth research into the following brands:
- Alessi
- Swatch
- Puma
- Diesel
- Howies
I will use the secondary research visiting the websites of each of the above.
In turn I will collate all of my information, read through it highlighting necessary parts and then presenting is as part of the ‘research’ section of my portfolio.
I will look into these brands in the above order, starting with Alessi and concluding with Howies.
Besides looking into the above, I will also utilize my time today to contact the press. Through some work experience I made contacts with Ed Chipperfield and Alex Hannaford. Ed has written and edited for magazines and websites for 12 years. Alex has worked as a journalist and editor for 14 years.
I will ensure that I make the most out of having these extremely precious contacts. I will start by emailing Ed and asking him if he has any examples of press packs that he can show me. If I receive the information required today, I will read through this and annotate if for my portfolio.
I will pay particular attention to the use of font types, styles and colours, size, placement, the use of imagery, the specific use of language with regards to different semantic fields, the use and proportion of the brand logo.
I will update the blog later on this evening to see if I have completed what I intended too, and will also draw conclusions on what I have learnt.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Receiving the brief.
Today I received the project brief. My first thoughts were that this was going to be a huge challenge. The reasons being are that the Assessment Requirements are very demanding, and the length of time allowed to be spent on the project is very restricted.
I will start my first blog entry by analysing the brief. The aims of the project are mainly focussed around developing and enhancing skills already achieved through my first year of study and are as follows:
- To develop research skills
- To develop targeted writing.
- To enhance visual presentation and production techniques.
- To develop and encourage creative and innovative thought processes.
The brief describes the necessity of PR as a free piece of promotion – journalists always require stories to fill gaps, in return PR are granted column inches which really benefit their clients. The more coverage, the more custom!
Over the next few weeks I must create a one day event for my brand. This event should successfully enable journalists of national, consumer, regional press and online titles to write about your brand – educating them whilst ensuring they are enthused!
I must think carefully about a suitable location for my brand, and provide a press pack for the journalist(s) to take with them from the event. With regards to location, Manchester and London seem the most obvious of cities to promote from, due to their central location, however it all depends on cliental and product style.
The brief sets a strict budget of £5,000 which should be adhered to. This must include all aspects of the event including locations, invitations, press gift and catering. Prices should be well research.
Within the project I must include:
- Event invitation
- Press pack including release, product shots and business cards.
- Floor plan for your chosen location outlining where your products will be on show and any
- props you will be using to display products in the location.
- Event budget
- Press invitation list – Top 20 key journalists important to your brand.
The brands of which I have to option to choose between are:
- Alessi
- Swatch
- Puma
- Diesel
- Howies
Tomorrow I must conduct secondary research into each of the above brands in depth in order to see which one I would like to follow. I must take into great consideration all of my findings in order to see if one brand in particular has great potential for expansion. I must look into primary and secondary customers and the products on other by the brands themselves.
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