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Critical study

 




Contextual Study


you will explore a contextual study that focuses on a specific theme related to graphic design, you will investigate and present a 1000-word essay, you will include and compare the work of three designers or artists. 


The development branding and packaging



    Useful links to help with research:

    Designers to consider:

    • Matthew Carter
    • Max Miedinger
    • John Baskerville
    • Tobias Frere-Jones
    • Adrian Frutiger
    • Erik Spiekermann
    • Stanley Morison
    • Carol Twombly
    • Jonathan Hoefler
    • Paul Renner
    • Jan Tschichold


    Writing an essay:

    Writing an essay is all about structure and research before you start writing anything do your research and create a series of mind maps for each part of the essay. For each, Introduction, Main discussion and Conclusion create mind maps that discuss key elements of your research. You should also include your own thoughts and ideas, use quotes to back up your ideas. 

    Introduction: (250 Words)

    State what you intend to do eg: This essay aims to explore the history of advertising taking into consideration key historical events from its origins to the Bauhaus and the Mad Men of the sixties. This essay will also examine the work of three influential designers.

    Main: (500 words)

    Use your research and discuss the work of other designers. Here you should include quotes from key figures in your research and visual examples. While you should include your own thoughts in this section, it should focus on facts and information. 

    Conclusion: (250)

    Conclude your thoughts and your findings. Comment on your research and discuss your own thoughts.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PnsKg7hkIo


    A brief history of advertising 


    This starting point asks you to consider the origins of advertising and make comment on the development of the discipline. Consider key moments such as the influence of the Bauhaus design school and mass production of products, this also feeds into the consumerism and ideas of ‘MAD men’ or Madison Avenue advertising culture born in America in the sixties. From this you should continue to discuss the development of the internet and fast fashion. How has social media influenced the way people consume goods. 


    Useful links to help with research:

    Designers to consider:

    • David Carson.
    • Saul Bass.
    • Stefan Sagmeister.
    • Paula Scher.
    • Michael Bierut.
    • Massimo Vignelli.
    • Milton Glaser
    • Paul Rand.

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