15th December Exploring Target Audience

On Tuesday 15th December we continued sketchbook work in studio practise for the "Distinction Doors" live brief. The task allowed us to analyse the requirements and parameters of a 2D problem in art and design. Also, the task allowed me to apply research activities to support solutions for the project. Finally, the studio practise allowed me analyse the effectiveness of solutions to 2D problems in the project. In the studio practise I decided to focus on completing my target audience page as it would support my starting research for the project.

To start the task I analysed who the target audience is for the company "distinction doors". The information was collected from the live brief we were given. Firstly the target audience is both male and female aged 25 plus. The homeowners are hardworking and take pride in their homes. Also the target audience like to research a product before they make a purchase and have a premium quality product. Possibly the target audience may have a new modern house of renovating their existing home. The audience will be style conscious and will like to stand out from the crowd and set the trend rather than follow. Finally the target audience may possibly read ideal homes magazine and watch grand designs. All the points above were placed onto my target audience page. After analysing the "live brief" I decided to collect images from my independent research to match all the points above and make the target audience page look visual.

 I used images and sketches to match all the points highlighted in the brief. For "ideal homes" point I collected magazine covers of the title and also "grand designs" magazine as I believe that the target audience would also read it. To represent "modern home" and "renovated existing house" I collected a variety of images of buildings that relate to these points which have been inspired by "grand design” episodes. To match the quote "stand out from the crowd" I collected an image that I believe represented what the target audience would like. After collecting the images I placed them onto my sketchbook page and collaged them in a layout which I took inspiration from the PowerPoint we were presented at the start of the project.

When creating the mood board I collected information from the company about what colours and glass finishes does the target audience like. It was important to collect market research because it allowed me to analyse the requirements and parameters of the project. Also by collecting market research it allowed me to apply research activities to support solutions in the project. I found out that the most popular colours are "duck egg" and "chartwell". Finally the most popular glass window finishes are "Java" and "Sulu". I will be focusing on these colours and finishes throughout the project as they are the most popular features from the target audience. Also I will be focusing on these features because I am wanting to create a range of contemporary doors and one standard door that the target audience will like and relate to the brief. After creating a collage I created a variety of sketches on the sheet to show my understanding of each point I am aiming to achieve and make the page look visual. Finally I annotated the page to symbolise each point I am making on the page.



Target Audience Sketchbook Page

Caro Final Evaluation Part B

When creating my final 3D sculpture in the project, I faced many difficulties that effected my final design layout and appearance. However, I overcame these difficulties and solved them which allowed me to create a final “table-top” 3D sculpture that was inspired by Caro’s work and my research throughout the project. Firstly, a problem I faced with the design was that the “Ceramic Base”, which was on the original design layout, wasn’t strong enough to hold the piece together and the base became uneven after being taken from the kiln. To solve the problem I changed the design layout and constructed a plywood base that was placed underneath the ceramic base to make it stronger. Also to solve the uneven surface I placed glue underneath the uneven areas to make them balanced and also stick to the plywood surface. Another problem I faced was the placement of the ceramic tubes on the design. According to my original design they were going to be attached together to create a staircase effect and become free-standing on the base. However, I faced difficulties as the tubes weren’t strong enough to be connected together and had uneven surfaces from the kiln. This had an impact on my final design but it was solved by making the whole piece stronger. A plywood platform was created to place the 3 ceramic tubes together and also keep the same idea of creating a staircase. The design change related to my previous research and development so it overcame the problem I faced. Another problem I faced was that I had to change my layout to my final design from my sketchbook work because it would impact the sculpture that was created. I decided not to create a steamed wood piece to wrap around the base because it would damage the strong plywood stair case and have the risk of damaging the sculpture. To solve the issue of where to place my print-making I placed the design onto my ceramic base which gave an effective layout. Finally, another problem I faced when creating the sculpture was that I couldn’t place wire through the sculpture because the ceramic tubes were very fragile and could easily break if a drill was placed into the surface. I have found assembling my sculpture very challenging because I had to change a large majority of my final piece in my sketchbook to create the 3D sculpture. By creating the sculpture, I found some specific elements challenging as I was skill developing my knowledge of machines in the workshop. However I found separate elements in the workshops easy to create because I focused on individual pieces than a large final piece. If I had to change any aspects of the project I would have created a simpler design as it was very difficult to create a complicated piece that had a range of elements placed into one sculpture. Also, I would change the layout so that it allowed me to create an easier design that I could construct without making any changes. Finally, if I had to repeat the project I would ask specific subject teachers for more information about the final layout and create a final sketch that would be taken into the workshop and be created without any issues. Overall, I am happy with my final sculpture because it has demonstrated the different elements I have made in each workshop and how I have assembled them together. The sculpture shows a variety of skills and methods I have used throughout the project and how it connects to my research and development in the project. Also, the piece has demonstrated my exploration of different materials and methods. Finally, I am happy with my final sculpture because it has become a strong 3D “table-top” sculpture that presents my development of the project and my “transcription” of Caro’s work.

My final sculpture is presented below.

8th December Studio Practise and Caro Final Piece

On Tuesday 8^th December I started to explore my new live brief “Distinction Doors” through sketchbook work and mood boards. Also in studio practise, I went back to complete my 3D sculpture for the “Transcribing Caro Project” that was incomplete from the previous workshop task. By completing the sculpture for the “Transcribing Caro” project, it allowed me to apply practical skills, understanding and methods to solve 3 dimensional problems in art & design. By starting the sketchbook work for the “Distinction Doors” live brief it has allowed me to analyse the requirements and parameters of a 2 dimensional problem in the task. Also the studio practise has allowed me to apply research activities to support solutions to a 2 dimensional problem in art & design. Finally, the studio practise has allowed me to start demonstrating the ability to plan, organise and prepare solutions for the project. I was excited to explore the new project and explore the theme “Let the outdoors in” and research what doors are already in the “Distinction Doors” catalogue. The task allowed me to use my research skills to collect a variety of secondary research for the project.

To start the research for the “Distinction Doors” brief I used my independent study skills and started to create boards on my Pinterest page. To start my research I decided to collect images for the theme “Let the outside in”. I believe that this quote relates to nature because I think the keyword “Outside” relates to the environment around us which is nature. The theme “Nature” has a wide variety of elements inside the topic so to start the task I looked on Pinterest that had the tag named “Nature”. After creating a variety of images that matched the name, I developed my research further and started to focus on images that were “Flowers”. I decided to focus on flowers because they present a variety of colours, shapes and also matches the theme “Let the outside in”. I also decided to use these images because I believe that this initial design idea can be placed onto door designs when I start to develop them. After collecting images, I printed them off and started to place the “nature” images into my sketchbook pages. Then I focused back to the “Transcribing Caro” project and went to the 3D workshop to complete my design.

For the "Transcribing Caro" project I needed to complete my 3D sculpture that was incomplete from the previous 3D workshop. The task allowed me to apply practical skills, understanding and methods to solve 3D problems in the project. To start completing the sculpture, I attached the last ceramic base onto the platform by using a drill to attach the piece of wood underneath securely so that the ceramic piece will be held and not break. Then I started to glue first ceramic base onto the ceramic surface to make the sculpture stronger and to avoid the whole fragile piece collapsing. Once the glue was placed I faced a problem with the design as the whole piece wouldn't stand freely whilst the glue is drying. To solve the problem I collected a spare piece of wood and measured the length of the final platform from the ground so that the piece would be slotted underneath to hold the piece together. Then I measured the length out and cut the piece out on the band saw. The piece held the sculpture securely and would be removed when the glue is set. Next I focused on creating the pattern on top of the column which was going to be made from plastic. I wanted to colourful pieces of plastic to match Caro's work as he uses these colours. I decided to collect the primary colours that were blue, red and yellow for my design and measured out how big I wanted the pieces to be. I decided to create layers because it related to the architecture buildings I found whilst researching renaissance paintings. For the measurements I decided to have 10cm for my base, then 7.5cm for my second piece, 5cm for my third piece and 2.5cm for my final piece. All of these measurements were cut by the band saw. To develop my knowledge of using the band saw I placed a piece of wood underneath the plastic to create a smooth cut through my piece. Eventually I created my pieces of plastic and placed them onto the design with superglue that was set to dry overnight.

All the Ceramic tubes placed together

The primary plastic colours I used.

One final pattern that was placed onto the ceramic tubes.

3rd December introduction to Distinction Doors

On Thursday 3^rd of December we started to explore the brand new live project “Distinction Doors”. The project is a live brief and the task is to design a 3 limited edition contemporary doors and at least one standard door. The designs must have glass panels and have instant visual appeal from the exterior of the door and interior.All the designs I create must match the theme “Let the outside in” and have the “Wow” factor as the original doors are lacking this appearance. For the first time in a project we have a target audience who are both male and female aged 25 plus. The audience are homeowners who take pride in their homes and they will be style conscious. Also the audience want to stand out from the crowd and become the trend setters. Possibly, the audience may have a modern, new house or renovating their existing home. Finally, the audience may read ideal homes magazine or watch grand designs. The target audience will be considered throughout the project and I will be relating my design work to them. Also in the project I will be presenting my designs to Distinction Doors company and my peers on Thursday 19^th January 2016.My presentation must cover my approach to the project, my research, the development of my ideas and my final outcomes towards the project. I am really curious to explore this project because it will allow me to create designs for an actual company and explore a target audience. The project will allow me to analyse the requirements and parameters of a 2D problem in art and design. Also the task will allow me to demonstrate the ability to plan, organise and prepare solutions to a 2D problem. It will allow me to apply practical skills, understanding and methods to also solve problems through 2D design. Finally, the project will allow me to analyse the effectiveness of solutions to 2D problems. To start the project I decided to create a mind map to plan out how I am going to achieve each element. For the layout I decided to create a spider diagram because it allowed me to explore my thoughts and ideas and develop them further. For the layout I decided to create a visual mind map to show my planning through art and also present my research onto the page. To start the layout I placed all the criteria I need to complete and placed them onto the page. Next I worked into the different sections and highlighted what I am going to complete. All the elements written onto the mind map will be completed and planned throughout the project. The task allowed me to demonstrate the ability to plan and organise what I am going to design and research in the project. Also the task allowed me to understand the live brief thoroughly and highlight key words that will be used in the project. Finally, the task allowed me to identify the target audience and important information about them.

Transcribing Caro Evaluation Part A

The “Transcribing Caro Project” was my first experience exploring a 3D project and a variety of elements joined together to complete the whole task. Firstly, I found collecting primary research from our gallery visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Hepworth gallery valuable because it allowed me to explore a range of media and use my art skills to create folding sketchbooks. The folding sketchbooks allowed me to observe a range of Caro’s sculptures and create my own styled drawings based around them from a range of dry materials. I believe this was valuable for me in the project because it allowed me to interpret my own view of Caro’s pieces and create a range of sketches that were taken from a variety of Caro’s pieces from paper sculptures to outdoor sculptures. I also found it valuable collecting primary research from the gallery visits because it allowed you to compare Caro’s work in both galleries with the folding sketchbooks and images. The trip was valuable because it allowed me to collect a variety of primary images that were placed into my sketchbook for further development and were used throughout the project. Also the trip was valuable for my primary research because it allowed me to collect images at different angles and perspectives that was useful for sketchbook work to create themes and textures. I found looking at the sculptures in real life better than secondary images because you can explore the piece at different angles and perspectives. Also it’s better to look at sculptures in real life because you can look closely into how the elements were placed together and this was shown in Caro’s work with strong fixtures and fittings. Finally it’s better to look at sculptures in real life than secondary images because you can see how it fits in the environment and how other people in the gallery interact with the pieces. This is demonstrated in the “Childs Tower Room because children were climbing onto the piece and exploring it which shows the interaction that cannot be seen through secondary images.






Childs Tower Room

I think that my primary research turned out well because I collected a variety of information, photographs and two complete folding sketchbooks from both galleries. I believe the photographs turned out well in my primary research because I collected a variety of images that explore Caro’s work and the use of different materials, how the sculptures were placed and the scale of sculptures. I captured the abstract sculptures at different angles and perspectives and this turned out well for me because it allowed me to use them for my sketchbook work and develop them to create my final stages of design. Also I think that the two complete primary research folding sketchbooks turned out well because they showed my observations of Caro’s work from my view with a variety of different materials being used and drawing techniques. The information I collected from primary research was useful as it allowed me to go into detail and depth about the “Childs Tower Room”. It allowed me to collect information about the sculpture and Caro’s thoughts behind the sculpture. However to improve my primary research information I would collect more information from different sculptures as I only focused on one sculpture and I could have collected more information which would have been taken into my sketchbook work for annotation.



The secondary research I collected was effective because I explored a variety of artists which were Peter Dahmen, Alexander Calder and Frank Stella. For the secondary research I collected a variety of images from each artist and created sketchbook pages that had layouts relating to the artist and materials. Also I collected secondary information which was effective because it related to the art movements they were involved in, what materials they use, personal life and specific details behind some pieces of work. All the secondary research artists I collected was effective because they all related to Caro’s work and the artists chosen were compared to him in my sketchbook work. All the artists I collected had similarities to Caro and this was effective for my secondary research because it allowed me to explore further into abstract art but always relating back to the “Transcribing Caro Project” and brief.

Throughout the development stages for my 3D sculpture task I have developed, organised and planned what I was going to create. Whilst in the designing stage I decided to create a plinth mounted 3D piece because I thought that was the most effective layout to create because you can build up a design and make it look like a strong architectural piece. I was wanting to create a strong architectural piece to relate back to my secondary renaissance research because my task was based around Caro where he took inspiration from architecture renaissance paintings and created sculptures from them. I was following in the footsteps of Caro and I decided to create a range of plinth mounted 3D pieces that expressed strong architecture. For my design stage I organised my sketchbook and split the pages into sections to organise and plan my 3 different designs. All the designs considered materials from each workshop and related back to Caro’s work and renaissance paintings. When I started to develop me final design, I prepared solutions in 3D by asking workshop leaders for advice and changing the design for it to be suitable for the workshops. I also organised the materials I was going to using whilst developing the design further.

I have used practical skills in the 3D workshop that I have learnt from the workshop introduction to create my final sculpture. In the workshop introduction I was taught how to use the machines in the room safely and how to use specific tools which were taken forward into my final sculpture. I have developed my methods and understanding of the machines I used in the 3D workshop to create my final sculpture and also to solve problems I faced. I have developed my knowledge and understanding that I learnt previously in ceramics and created 6 ceramic columns that were placed into the kiln safely. I have also expanded my knowledge in ceramics and started to use new materials that developed my understanding to create more effective clay pieces. In Print-making, I have used the knowledge I was taught previously in the workshop and developed it to create dry-point etching pieces that was printed by the same process for the final piece. Finally, the practical skills I used in photography and maquette making was paper sculpture which allowed me to create really effective abstract pieces that related back to the “Transcribing Caro” project.

In the workshop tasks I have faced difficulties with the print-making and 3D workshops. The first problem I faced was getting to place my print onto the design as I couldn’t place it where I originally wanted it to go because it wouldn’t print properly onto the surface. To overcome this problem I spoke to the print-making leader and decided to print the design onto paper and then place it onto the surface of my design. This has changed my original design but it overcame a problem I faced. When discussing to the 3D workshop leader about my final design I faced a problem which was that the ceramic bases wouldn’t hold together because of the weight they carry. This would make the pieces break if they were placed together. To solve the problem, the 3D workshop leader suggested a platform which would attach all the pieces together and hold all the pieces together safely and not cause the pieces to break. I was pleased with this solution because it related to my renaissance research that featured steps in the architecture paintings. Also, another problem I faced was that the ceramic base was unstable to place ceramic columns onto it. To solve the problem, I created a piece of plywood that was going to be placed underneath the ceramic base to make the base stronger and even. These changes to my design changes the original design I created. However, I have overcome all the difficulties I struggled with and will continue to finish my final sculpture.  







I believe that I have managed my time more efficiently compared to the last project. I have given myself set targets to complete for weekends and in lesson. However I need to continue to improve my time management skills further as I fell behind in some lessons and workshops.

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26th November 3D Workshop

On Thursday 26th November we completed our final workshop task on the rota for the "Transcribing Caro” project. The 3D, woodwork workshop was an important session for me because I needed to create elements that will connect all the pieces I have already created together. Also the workshop was important because it was crucial to finish my design all together and give a good quality finish. The workshop also allowed me to decorate elements that would be placed into my design that would be ready to be placed together on the 16th December. The task allowed me to demonstrate my ability to plan, organise and prepare solutions whilst in the workshop. Also the woodwork task allowed me to solve problems in 3D and think of solutions that will fix the problem I faced. Finally the workshop allowed me to apply practical skills, understanding and methods to solve further 3D problems in the task.

To start the session we were given a recap about health and safety in the workshop. When we entered the workshop we were told to place our bags and coats away safely to avoid tripping hazards and causing serious injuries. We were also reminded about the safety logos on the machines which were "wear safety goggles" and "wear ear protection”. The rules and safety signs must be followed throughout the workshop to avoid serious injuries. After being reminded about the health and safety rules from the workshop induction, we followed them throughout the workshop task to avoid the risk of injury.

Firstly, to start the task I collected my maquette, ceramic pieces and sketchbook work to discuss to the workshop leader what I was wanting to create. I was pleased that my ceramic columns were complete as they helped me to collect measurements and see how all the pieces visually looked for me and the workshop leader. When discussing to the workshop leader about my design I faced a problem which was that the ceramic bases wouldn’t hold together and they would break if they were placed together like my design. To solve the problem, the workshop leader suggested a platform which would attach all the pieces together and hold all the pieces together safely. I was happy with the decision because it related to my renaissance research because some architecture in the paintings featured steps that were developed in my sketchbook. Also, another problem I faced was that the ceramic base was unstable to place the platform onto the design.  To solve the problem, a piece of Plywood was going to be placed underneath the ceramic base to make the base stronger and even. I decided to focus on the base and I measured the ceramic base which was 28cm by 29.5cm. To create the plywood base, I decided to measure the piece by 32cm and 33.5cm. After measuring the piece I took it to the band saw and used my previous knowledge to use the machine safely. After I created my base I drew around my first ceramic base and column. Then I collected a circle column that fitted the ceramic base and column and attached the piece to the wood with nails by using a drill. Once the two pieces were placed together securely, I collected the ceramic base and measured around the column. I collected the measurements and these were going to be taken further for the platform structure.

Ceramic Columns

Ceramic Base

The Plywood Base and wooden column

Attaching the two pieces together

Measurements for the plywood platform

Cutting the plywood platform

Plywood Platform and Ceramic column

Pillar Drill

To create the platform, I extended the size from the ceramic base measurement and created a long piece of plywood that was going to be divided into separate sections for the platform. This was also cut by the band saw and it was ready to be attached together. For the first base, I measured the ceramic base so that the piece of wood would be placed over the base to keep it secure. To get the circle, I placed the piece of wood at the pillar drill with a drill that created a circle. After the circle was cut through it was ready to be attached to the other pieces of wood to create the platform. To attach the pieces together I was going to use a drill to create the holes and attach the nails together. However, a problem I faced was that the drill would break the wood easily so I decided to use the pillar drill instead. To create the holes in the design I attached the pieces together and drilled holes into the surface then I placed nails to attach them together with a hand drill. I repeated the process to create the platform that was ready for the ceramic bases to be placed onto. Sadly, due to time management I didn’t finish creating my platform and the decoration around the design and on top of the columns. The next step is to finish my sculpture in the woodwork workshop in my independent study time to complete my sculpture ready for the due date.

The complete platform

23rd November Studio Practise

On Tuesday 23^rd November we continued to work into our sketchbooks in studio practise. The studio practise allowed me to develop my design ideas and finish sketchbook pages that were incomplete.  Also, the task allowed me to demonstrate the ability to plan, organise and prepare to a 3D dimensional problem in the project. The task also allowed me to apply research activities to support solutions to a 3D problem in the “Transcribing Caro Project”. Finally, the design allowed me to complete the layouts and build up my annotation skills in my sketchbook pages.

Firstly, I decided to complete my design 2 sketchbook design as I didn’t complete the layout and the different stages I had when creating the final design. Previously, I created the layout of all of my design stages and started to build up design 2. I took inspiration from my research of renaissance paintings and combined both Caro’s work and the architecture to create my design ideas. To start the design I took inspiration from the strong columns presented in the paintings and started to build up a design made up of curved pieces joining together. Throughout the design stage I took into consideration all the workshop elements and all the materials that I could use whilst in working in the project. It is important to create a variety of designs because it shows you the variety of research you have collected and the development that has been taken at different stages in the project. Also it is important to create a variety of designs because it allows you to be creative and present all the different options you can create in the project. Finally it is important to create a variety of designs because you can combine different ideas together to create one final developed design. A problem I faced with developing the design was that I was unsure how to incorporate print-making onto the design. To solve the problem I placed the design onto a piece of MDF which print-making will be placed onto. Finally I finished the design 2 stage and decided to focus on annotation in my sketchbook. In my independent study, I collected a variety of information about the artists I have research and the art movements they were involved in. I also collected information about Anthony Caro’s artwork and more information about the artist. All the research I collected was from books, art galleries and official artist websites. I placed the information onto the pages and also expressed my personal response to the artists and work. Also to complete the sketchbook annotation I explained why I chose the layout of my designs and what materials I used. After completing some annotation on the secondary research pages, I continued to finish pieces that I needed to complete on different sketchbook pages.

Design 2 Sketchbook Page 

Annotated Sketchbook Page

Overall, the studio practise was useful as it allowed me to complete my design stages and annotation for my artist research pages. The next step is to complete annotation in my sketchbook pages and finish my design stages and final development stages in my sketchbook page.