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.
Saturday, 31 October 2009
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.
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