OUGD402: Study Task 1

Getting to know people
09 / 10 / 15

Another task which was designed to make us more aware of industry involved getting split into 12 separate groups, we had to research into a given design studio and then present the information. Before doing this task I wasn't very familiar with a range of design studios around the world. However, after doing my own research into this and then hearing other peoples research as well really boosted my knowledge and understanding, and allowed me to really visualise how a professional design studio will present their finished briefs for companies, etc. 
The 12 studios were:

- Bleed 

- AH HA Studio

- Hey Studio 

- Sagmeister and Walsh  

- Hey Days 

- Lust 

- Studio Dumbar 

- Build Design 

- Elmwood  

- Face 

- Dessein  

- Wolff Olins 

Immediately it was clear how the majority of the design studios were organised in small, tight teams thus maximising ease of communication across all levels of design during a project. 
Upon looking at their projects on their websites, it appears all focus on re-design of the whole visual identity of a brand, rather than aspects of it. This results in consistency and professionally of the new identity.
Rather than briefly touching on each of studios, I have chosen my favourite 5 to research and talk about...

My group focused on Bleed Design Studios, 'a multidisciplinary design consultancy based in Olso and Vienna.'

They claim to create identity and experience, representing a mix of

cultures and disciplines to challenge today’s conventions around art,

visual language, interaction, media and identity.

On their site, I found a project they worked on for a brand new office
building in Norway, for a company called Monier. I was immediately 
taken by this project and wanted to look into as they based the entire 
visual identity of the company on the complex architectural designs. 
This proved to include very cubistic and solid designs of the logo and 
other merchandise for Monier.

The concept behind the logo is derived from the 3 different window

shapes/widths (as shown above), and this theme is carried out

across designs for the type and other promotional material. This is 

a classic example of Bleed's design work and a project that I am very

fond of and take inspiration from.

Wolf Ollins is another popular design studio founded by Micheal Wolff 

and Wally Olins. It was founded in 1965 to help organisations shake off their corporate camouflage and take their place in industry.

Wolff is based mainly in the biggest cities such as London, Dubai, 

New York and San Francisco but their work will be present all across

the globe.

They are responsible for the design of the

 London 2012 Olympic logo which was designed 

bold, spirited and dissonant to reflect the 

modern, edgy city of London.

Another good example of their work is when they were responsible 

for the new AOL logotype, which is represented by ever changing 

imagery. The new logotype was unveiled just as the AOL common stock 

began trading on the New York Stock Exchange, giving the company a new

identity just in time for new shares to go up for grabs.

Face are a super-modernist design studio specialised in developing honest branding projects across the world, based in Monterrey, Mexico (est. 2006).
They claim how their work is intended to 'brave the test of time', and suggests there craft is the result of constant effort, talent and commitment to quality of the highest international caliber. 
Using their 'fool-proof' creative method they strive to develop a deeper understanding of every project and the client's needs.

They are one of my favourite studios due to the attention to detail they provide within their set designing process, and order is definitely something I like to have whilst working. The focus on minimal design makes their work more recognisable and keeps them all under a set theme, so clients can understand what to expect when approaching them with a brief. Set up by young, local designers, their love and involvement in electronic music has sealed some them some solid clients in the industry.

Elmwood started life in 1977 as a small local design studio actually based in Leeds! In the space of 30 years they have grown to having studios in London, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong and Melbourne too. Making them one of the larger design studios out of the sample I have chosen to reflect on. At Elmwood they have developed a strong ethos to make themselves very individualistic and different from the rest of industry... 
"It’s no longer good enough to be the best of the best, you need to be the only ones who do what you do." - Quote from Jerry Garcia.

They claim to have de-coded effectiveness, working out how to bypass learned behaviour and trigger positive responses among consumers. The clients are always something that all studios stress importance of, however none actually discuss a specific psychological method/guideline that they have developed to maximise communication with the clients. This is something I admire.

Studio AH—HA is a communication & graphic design studio established in 2011.
The studio pursues varied creative interests across a variety of mediums: from brand strategy to interior design, naming and identity work, advertising, new media, traditional and fine print, retail and product design, photography and illustration. 
With an ever-changing cast of collaborators, Studio AH—HA has a holistic approach towards design and branding, working together with clients through every stage of the process, filtering their inspirations, ideas and motivations into fresh, engaging and compelling brand messages.