Development Of Ideas: Tote Bag

    I created more sketches for the tote bag. He created them in a basic version to save time. I will add all kinds of additional elements and colour variants to the selected final model. I use a pencil and paper to create sketches, the last one was created using the Sketchbook application.

    This version of the Tote bag is a very basic version with the shoulders of the bag tied at the very top. 

The advantage of this design is the fact that due to the small number of elements and the lack of a complicated pattern, its price in the store will not be high - it is available to a larger number of tourists. Another advantage is the design - due to its baggy and simple form, it can be used as a shopping bag for the elderly or for everyday casual outings for young people. An additional print will help personalize the target group.

    The disadvantage is that the bag does not have a zipper. Therefore, it will not be a safe way to go out for everyone.

    This version is definitely more advanced. It has an additional closing option in the form of tightening with strings. This is definitely a better form of security compared to the previous version. The design of the bag allows you to place a personalized design (lino cutting) in a very visible way on its front. a

Also because it has many materials combined with each other, it gives more opportunities to play with the colors of textiles.

    However, a more advanced pattern means higher production costs, which means it will be available to a smaller group.

    This version of the bag has the best security system - a built-in zipper. Its form is also not as complex as the previous one, which could slightly reduce production costs, assuming that I would use the same material for all bags. It also has the option of adding a pattern, there is space at the front of the bag.

    However, it would still be a more expensive version than the first one, which would make it less accessible to a wider audience.

    A simple design of the bag, which at the same time gives many possibilities for accessories. The design is not as advanced as the second option, which would certainly make it a less expensive version.

    As in the first case, it does not have a secured closure. You can add a button or a snap inside, but this is not included in the current sketch.

   I think that choosing the first and last option is the best due to their availability and simplicity. However, I will leave the final choice once I have designed the rest of the souvenirs. 

Linocut: Tools And Materials

      To start an adventure with Linocut, I should learn basic information about the equipment and material. Basic kits that allow you to start working with Linocut can be found for just a few pounds. These kits usually include: cutting tools, lino, an ink roller (may be known as a brayer), ink and paper. Basic kits that allow you to start working with Linocut can be found for a few pounds in hobby stores or online.

Essdee Linocut Taster Kit

    Other useful items when working with linoprint will certainly be: a cutting mat, a craft knife, pencils, markers, and rulers. Set query, tracing paper and masking tape may also be useful.

    The best material for cutting out designs using the linocut method is linoleum (lino). An alternative option for Lino is Japanese vinyl and Softcut. Their advantage is that they come in larger sizes than linoleum, so they are a better option for large projects. However, they have a plastic, rubber quality, which means they do not have the same range of textures as linoleum. Considering Lino's ecological properties, many designers choose this material. Linoleum is "manufactured from a mixture of oxidized linseed oil, cork dust and pine resin with a backing of hessian or jute material" (N, Morley, 2016). Lino is an easily available product, it can be found in hobby and art stores as well as online stores. 

Linoleum

    I  will pay more attention to ink and material. There are different variants depending on what we intend to use the cut designs for. In my project, I intend to use them for transferring onto fabric, so I pay attention mainly to paints that are suitable for working with textiles. The best way is to make samples, with different variations. However, according to N. Morley (2016), if I want to use water-based ink (due to its environmental friendliness), I can use cotton as the transfer material. Natural textiles work well with water-based ink and also absorb paint well.

N. Morley, 2016, Linocut for artist & designers, p.136-137

Referencing List: 

Morley, N. (2016) Linocut for Artists & Designers. Wiltshire: The Crowood Press

ARTdiscount (no date) Essdee Linocut Taster kit, ARTdiscount. Available at: https://artdiscount.co.uk/products/essdee-linocut-taster-kit?variant=40762300563538&currency=GBP&utm_medium=smart_campaign&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2018-10-30&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiMmwBhDmARIsABeQ7xTXjhRWNw9W_5Adj0vCNFscmt84P1_Rp_oUi_xA3I6us8aMbcr0FjQaAl3REALw_wcB (Accessed: 07 April 2024). 

Artist Reaserch: April Vollmer

     April Vollmer is a New York artist. She studies the mokuhanga technique and Japanese woodcut printmaking after receiving her Master of fine Arts in printmaking. I found her works in the book "Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop", published in 2015, which is devoted to her work and the translation of woodcut printmaking techniques.

     In the collection of her works, the first one that caught my attention was "Migrating Gyre". What is impressive about this artwork is the fact that she used a different angle and intensity of black paint, the work went deeper and gained additional texture. The work done in black mono colours adds mystery to the work and does not make it feel overwhelming. Minimalism with a such unique effect. 

A. Vollmer, "Migrting Gyre", Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop, 2015, p.13

Vollmer A., Blackout, 2013. Mokuhanga on Gozen washi. Sheet: 38 x 26 in.

    Regarding the "Blackout" 2013 the artist also used a method called Mokuhanga for this work. This method was developed in Japan for printing images. Thanks to it, artists can work with environmentally friendly water-based inks. Images are created on many blocks and manually transferred using a flat paddle - called a baren. Each color is applied in layers, onto separate blocks. This process requires many blocks, but at the same time simplifies the creation process, making it possible for anyone to do it, even at home. 

The use of different shades and pressure when creating the background gives the work a noticeable depth.

It looks like the background was made first and the central part was entirely printed using black ink. I like how A. Vollmer combines elements of nature in her works. I would like to focus on these elements in my project. That's why I chose this artist as my inspiration for the project. 

Reference List:

Vollmer, A. (2015) Japanese woodblock print workshop: A modern guide to an ancient art. Berkeley: Watson-Guptill Publications. 

Lindner, J. (2023) Must-know gift industry statistics [latest report] • Gitnux, GITNUX. Available at: https://gitnux.org/gift-industry-statistics/#:~:text=Highlights%3A%20Gift%20Industry%20Statistics,about%2010%20billion%20U.S.%20dollars. (Accessed: 06 April 2024). 

Target Market

    Market research presented by Su L., Lai Z., and Huang Y. (2023) examined the souvenir market in terms of tourists visiting the city. They examined the market in terms of attractiveness, usefulness and authenticity. Research shows that these are the two most influential factors that guide tourists when choosing and purchasing souvenirs.

    According to the report by Industry u-gib com, US Gift Industry Statistics, women mainly buy gifts on the American market. According to research, 81% of buyers are women (Lindner J., 2023).

    The global "Gifts Novelty and Souvenirs Market" conducted research that indicated that the growth will be consistent and solid, which is expected by 2030. Research on the Gift Market shows that people pay a lot of attention to the issue of materials and their environmental friendliness. (Chemicals & Healthcare Industrial Entrepreneurs, 2023). The location of my travel centre is in the USA. Research shows that this market has the best sales results (Chemicals & Healthcare Industrial Entrepreneurs, 2023).

    Gens and Millennials, I think will be the perfect audience for my project. Items created at the tourist centre will be simple and functional. It is also a good gift for friends or family. Since there will also be items recommended for age - such as a tote bag or apron, my audience will also be people who already have families - children of preschool and school age (Louis, 2003).

    Research shows that my ideal customers will be mainly women. I also need to pay a lot of attention to the materials (environmentally friendly, recycled) that I will use in my designs. I should also add personalized elements because research also draws attention to this aspect as important for customers. In a tourist centre personalization probably will be difficult to do, because tourists come to the store for ready-made items. I will try to at least give customers a choice, for example, through the selection of accessories or different colour options. 

Statistics from Reach 3 

    Statistics show that both GenZ and Millennials mainly look for their inspiration in stores. So I have to create cohesion in objects, colour and culture, to reflect the spirit of the city and encourage customers to buy.

    

Reference List:

Su, L., Lai, Z. and Huang , Y. (2023) How do tourism souvenir purchasing channels impact ..., Sage Journals. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00472875231195062 (Accessed: 04 April 2024). 

Lindner, J. (2023) Must-know gift industry statistics [latest report] • Gitnux, GITNUX. Available at: https://gitnux.org/gift-industry-statistics/#:~:text=Highlights%3A%20Gift%20Industry%20Statistics,about%2010%20billion%20U.S.%20dollars. (Accessed: 06 April 2024). 

Technavio, https://www. technavio. com/ (2021) Market research reports - industry analysis size & trends - technavio, Gifts Novelty and Souvenirs Market Size & Trends [2023 Report]. Available at: https://www.technavio.com/report/gifts-novelty-and-souvenirs-market-industry-analysis (Accessed: 06 April 2024). 

Louis, D.S. (2003). Gen Z attitudes and preferences: New Reach3 study reveals what young consumers want for the 2019 holiday shopping season. [online] www.reach3insights.com. Available at: https://www.reach3insights.com/blog/gen-z-millennial-holiday-2019.

Ideas generation

     This project gives me a lot of possibilities, in terms of materials and techniques. From the list I received, after consulting with the teacher, I received permission to remove the T-shirt design. Personally, I think that this is simply not my field and I wouldn't be as creative as I know I can be. 

    After consultations, we jointly agreed on the initial list:

• keyring
• mug/plate
• tote bag
• an apron
• backpack/wall decoration
• small pencil holder bag

    The drawing above shows my mind map. The first ideas that come to my mind after receiving the list. I was thinking about using colors and motifs that we received as recognizable/associated with our city that we are to renovate. These were very simple, quick sketches and a plan regarding the materials I could use and the studios that are available to us at DMU. I was thinking mainly about using the animals that we got: American Robin. I really like the color combination - dark gray with shades of orange and purple. I think this composition will be used in one of the projects. I also thought about combining the motif of another animal: Sperm Whale with the shape of the river that is on the city map. 

    Part of my project is cooperation with a graphic designer. Thats why I already contacted with Anhelina regarding an additional design for the city's team logo, I could use it in decorations for tourists and sports fans visiting our city.

Wecome Post

Welcome!

    It is good to be back. Relatively rested (chicken pox was on a board) after the break between terms and now I am ready for new challenges and skills. Before the break, my lovely teacher borrow me the tools for a technique called Linoprint. I managed to create 3 of my own designs plus one already ready as a graphic found on Pinterest. I always want to try that drawing on the tablet. I must admit that it is more difficult than I thought, but I am not going to give up. I believe that if I give it more time, I will save it in the future. For example, because I can undo a move or change the color combination at any time. Also a convenient option to have all the tools and materials without having them physically. It gives you great opportunities to draw anywhere. I started my adventure with the free Sketchbook app.

    I created these simple sketches, then I did a little research on the linoprint technique. I must admit that it is a very relaxing activity. I want to develop this technique and hope to use it in my main project this semester.

    This term I will be post here about my next project for Art Portfolio 2. The teachers created a very interesting project for us. They came up with an imaginary city in which most of the buildings burned down during a tragic fire and many people lost their belongings. They even maked a video for us that showed was happened, it was very realistically. During this project, I plan to work in workshops such as a Sewing Workshop and a Fine Print Workshop. I also hope to improve my graphic skills.

    This time my task is to design a cradts for a Tuirist Centre. My assignment is to create a :

• Keyring 
• Rucksack bag design (one for adults and one for children)
• 2 x T-Shirt Designs
• An Apron
• Tote Bag Design x 2
• A Mug

   The experience from previous workshops has taught me that if I have a short deadline, it is better to do more research about the creation process and it is worth checking the availability of workshops. Referring to ceramics, which I couldn't do anywhere else except in the studio (for example, I couldn't use my home oven to bake), which really limited me at some point. Plus, students' classes during which the studio was unavailable to anyone else. This semester, I decided to pay more attention to it and choose materials and tools that make me more mobile during the creation process. I believe that this project will give me a lot of opportunities to work, improve my skills and I hope it will be good fun too.

Reflection: Art Portfolio 1

Art Portfolio 1 classes started in January 2024. From the very beginning, we stimulated our creativity through games such as: reproducing famous painting works in a group of two, using things available in the class Also, exercises like "Crazy Eight" pleasantly stimulated my imagination, helping me evolve my ideas. The next step was to choose a theme from the three available: primitivism, pop art and industrial. I decided to make the main project with AP1 based on the theme of primitivism. The next step was to choose a theme from the three available: primitivism, pop art and industrial. I decided to make the main project with AP1 based on the theme of primitivism. I started doing research on the ceramic material, the tools used during the process and the artists I was inspired by, like Gareth Mason, Nigel Hoyle and George Bowes. Then, during class, we started working on sketches. During this process, I decided to use the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist eras as colour inspiration. Having an outline of the project, I decided to use the ceramic workshop available at DMU, thanks to which I could move on to the stage of creating 3D works. 

During this semester, I learned how to be more organized. Due to the material I chose, ceramics, and the process it has to go through from the mass to the finished product, all the firing processes, which take a lot of time, my time management has improved. The opportunities that were presented to us during the workshop introductions showed me many possibilities that I hope to use and improve in the next term. 

This module was interesting for many reasons. First of all, it showed me the possibilities offered by studying at DMU, the number of workshops, their diversity and the large range of equipment that we can use are very promising. Also, the technicians were very helpful. 

I feel grateful for this term, especially for the workshops and their possibilities. Also, knowledge transferred during classes, and opportunities to improve my creative thinking, especially in my progression route - Design Crafts. These nine weeks have shown me how much I can do. Also, artist research allowed me to look at it from a different perspective. The works of artists from the past and present gave me a lot of understanding of the process. I feel that thanks to these classes I am better prepared for the challenges at DMU. I now know much more about the process of preparing my own project, from scratch to making it physically. These are definitely useful skills for my future, as a student and also as a craft designer.