OUGD401. Context of Practice. From Theory into Practice. 'A Brief History of...'

we were introduced to the practical response to the context of practice theory module of which we have been doing for the year up until now. it assesses our ability to successfully and intelligently transfer our knowledge and learning from the theory discussed in context of practice into a practical and physical resolution based around a publication.

the publication has to consider 'a brief history of...' something (a topic of our choice) that somehow regards one of the subjects we've studied in c of p so far. we were asked to research our ideas and proposals in order to fill in a project proposal concept sheet.

Design, develop and produce a publication that explores 'A  Brief History of.....' . The choice of subject, content and tone of voice is up to you but your response to thiis brief should communicatee the context of your emerging design practice, creative concerns and informed opinions as a Designer. The content of your publication should be based on a critical review and evaluation of the contexts, styles, histories and/or aesthetics introduced within the first part of this module and the material posted to your blogs. The design of your publication should reflect an informed investigation of what a publication is or could be in relation to format, scale, composition, media, production and the relationship between type and image.

my initial reaction to the brief was that it is asking us to consider what we have learned about graphic design (and general art and design) history and theory and then be able to translate our knowledge and learning, along with our own abilities and methods, into a practical resolution designed in representation of, and with use of those theories and techniques. being that it would be in the form of a publication it is important for me to gain a more informed understanding of what is meant by a publication and how i might employ/translate my ideas of a publication, along with research about existing forms of publication, into a successful resolution. 

my exploration of myself as a designer, my understanding of and knowledge gained from context of practice, and my proposing and refining a variety of potential themes (as evidenced on my design context blog) lead me to make the decision that i would produce a publication concerning a brief history of film. 

i looked into the different genres of cinema and thought about what i could focus my project theme on, i.e what my brief history would be about. then having narrowed my ideas down to a few possibilities i began to think about how my publication could appear. i did this based on what i already know about the different forms of publication because i wanted to go to the brief with my own initial ideas which, having received criticism and advice about, i would then be more informed and ready to research in greater depth. 

we were asked to fill in a project proposal sheet for the first crit detailing our concept and ideas.

from the crit i made my final decision to do 'a brief history of crime cinema from around the world'. i will be looking at how different directors from different continents react to and depict crime, gangs, and illegal life and the relationship between the films and real life with consideration for politics, society, economy, geography and development.