Patrick Burgoyne

Editor - Creative Review

Patrick was in again today to present a talk that was based around what paths could be taken once we had finished university. The talk was called 'Diversity vs Speciality' and he went through examples of designers, past and present, that fitted with both these descriptions.
Saul Bass was the first  on the list and he was someone who has had a hugely varied career. Originally starting with publicity and poster for the film industry he then went on the to create probably his most recognisable work in the medium of the film title sequence. Working with directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorcese. Whilst working the the most recognisable title sequences of his generation he aslo worked on other project in different areas of the design field. He created the identity for many large commercial companies like Warner, AT&T and Girls Scouts of America. Advertising was also an area in which he practiced, working with airlines and beverage brands on large commercial projects.

Patrick also discussed that this type of 'bouncing between Graphic Design and Advertising' has become a lot harder since the 1980's. The two disciplines have grown further apart and to find a present day example example of someone who has had a similarly varied career is tough. 

However, someone of the present day that can be mentioned in this category  is David James. David initially started his career in the music industry creating albuk covers for bands such as System IV and during this period he worked closely with the photographer Trevor Key. He went on to work on such publications as A Bea Sea  and An Other Magazine, the later of which he worked as Creative Director. He then went onto work for Prada and eventually became there Creative Director, being responsible for there ad campaigns and a majority of there visual promotion. 

The last person he spoke about was someone that fell in the 'specialism' category. Irma Boom is a book designer and is devoted to the specialism and art of book making. Her work is very varied with in the discipline. What struck me most was the varying amount of time she gave herself to work on the projects, it ranged from weeks to 3-4 years. But something that ehr worked showed was a complete love and devotion to the art and this is something that is most definitely needed if you are to stick to one area of design.

http://www.irmaboom.nl/ 

http://www.saulbass.co.uk/

http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2010/march/david-james-out-of-print

The session ended with small group presentation about revolving around any thought that you may have on what you plan might be after you leave uni. This was something that, to be honest, I hadn't thought a great deal about and only a rough, vague 'plan' made itself apparent in my head. I think that it is certainly the photographic route which I want to pursue. However I may open to nearly all areas within this discipline, architecture, fashion, portrait, fine art, are all areas which interest me photographically and I also feel that I can write competently on the subject also. 

I certainly feel that far more research into possible placements and graduate schemes relevant to the subject is required.