EVALUATION - Brabantia

I believe that I have started to really explore my illustrative skills. Instead of simply working with digital illustration, I got off the computer and decided to create something by hand. By doing this, I have been able to target my audience, and really relate to my content. This process was an enjoyable one, and it has allowed my products to work well as a unique range through the application of colour and pattern.

Initially, I struggled to mock-up professional looking prototypes. However, as I needed to show screen-based examples to show that they would work alongside other Brabantia products, I really had to build on these skills, and look into producing some effective mock-ups. A lot of this included the application of pattern, so I also had to work with clipping masks and defining patterns. I became much more confident with this, which allowed me to create a consistent range.

Throughout this brief, I made sure that during my research I didn't simply look at existing Brabantia products and pattern application on kitchenware. Initially, I looked at Brabantia as a brand, and the type of things they were doing, however they didn't really feature too much pattern design. I therefore pushed my research into digital and printed pattern that had been applied to a range of products, not just canisters. This allowed me to gain a better understanding of audience, colour, format and environment and how the product would interact with it's surrounding. Once a pattern was developed, my research then informed me of effective application and how to create a suitable range, balancing colour and composition. 

In terms of strengths, I believe that throughout, one of my main strengths has been my illustrative work. From this, I have enjoyed focusing my work more, and looking at different ways of using colour and line within it. During cries, my peers recognised my illustrations as a skill, describing them as a main focal point to my work. I will continue to experiment with and explore this in order to create appropriate and relevant designs. 

I feel that the products appropriate to the theme, creating a contemporary and updated version of the retro, floral Patrice print, that would work within its context. These products compliment each other, and application has been kept consistent throughout. Colour and pattern have been balanced out to create a set that is not over powering and will therefore appeal to an audience that is looking for high quality, contemporary designs. By working together effectively as a set, they will have shelf appeal, allowing the user to purchase a number of products that can be used together to create a complimentary kitchen environment.

In terms of weaknesses, this brief was initially intended to have a quick turnaround, as the brief only asked for a simple pattern design to be uploaded to their competition site. Although I am happy that I created an effective range of supporting items, I need to work on being content with short briefs. In the future, once a brief is complete, I will make sure to move on from it.