Soofiya

Design For Occupy. Occupy Design

2012-01-30T15:58:00.000Z

This weekend I took part in the Occupy Design workshop (occupydesign.org.uk). I'm going to keep it brief. It may seem that the design industry is very much centered around consumption; which at times appears to exploit the basic human instinct of 'wanting more' through adverts, brands etc. However with movements such as Occupy there's suddenly a chance for designers, students and everyone (the 99%) to speak out against this. If there's one thing I've taken away from this weekend it's that: it's not just about designing for Occupy. It's also about Occupying design.

The Print Revolution/Rave Craft Soc

2012-01-22T12:09:00.000Z

Kick starting Rave Craft Soc (www.facebook.com/ravecraftsoc). This also gives me a great chance to get on that 'mac-less' project. (http://cargocollective.com/soofiya#2476443/The-Print-Revolution) We're currently working up our manifesto. Bring back print! Disclaimer: This society is mostly about going to type setting, booking binding, letterpress courses and some nice hand crafted design. However, feel free to 'fight the power' alongside this crafted based goodness.

Occupy LSX

2012-01-10T20:00:00.002Z

Today I went to check out how Occupy LSX was coming along in St Paul's. There were some great little flyers, posters and print material hanging about so I'm now all tooled/researched up for a new personal graphics project. I'm hoping to get cracking on it when I have a few minutes to spare. On a side note, if you're not up for going the whole way and pitching a tent out there too, then I recommend following @OccupyLSX.

2011-12-27T13:37:00.000Z

What could this be?

2011-12-26T20:01:00.000Z

Design Portfolio

2011-12-24T22:26:00.003Z

My portfolio has had a bit of an update.
http://cargocollective.com/soofiya

Riot of Colour

2011-12-18T13:17:00.001Z

Logo/brand identity ideas for a print company, this was a project I helped out on at Greenwich Design.

2011-12-11T10:51:00.000Z

RSU

2011-12-09T10:52:00.002Z

Logo Ideas

2011-12-03T18:43:00.001Z

Cycle App

2011-11-27T20:32:00.000Z

Current Uni Project, designing an infographic based app for a student commuter.

Current Uni Project

2011-11-22T21:18:00.002Z

2011-11-13T11:29:00.000Z

What's changed?

2011-10-16T16:28:00.000+01:00

Hello to the new blog design, a couple of business cards and a matching CV as well. It's been a busy sunday.

2011-10-12T17:22:00.001+01:00

I will eventually get around to posting up projects, it's on the to-do-list. However, until then here are a couple of web banners I worked up for ravesu.co.uk. Meanwhile, I thoroughly recommend checking out: ravesu.co.uk, facebook.com/ravesu and @Rave_SU

2011-10-05T14:29:00.000+01:00

I currently have a handful of a graphics projects underway. I'm hoping to post up a few snapshots in the near future so keep an eye on here. Meanwhile, check out ravesu.co.uk (some of my graphics stuff is hanging about there) and below are my thoughts on the use of Arial in public places.

A meerkat, some words and our wands.

2011-09-19T11:06:00.000+01:00

2011-09-16T21:35:00.000+01:00

My blog has been very neglected lately mostly because I've been knee deep in a handful of different projects. Here's a little something to keep you all going before I start posting up snap shots of all the new projects: it's Friday's poster for Freshers week:

Freshers: Tuesday's Poster

2011-08-31T08:42:00.001+01:00

Check out RAVESU.CO.UK for more details.

Freshers

2011-08-26T20:16:00.001+01:00

I've been busy designing some posters the Students' Union for Freshers. Here are the ones which have been released so far:

A sneak peak at my current project

2011-08-18T17:37:00.000+01:00

Cool

2011-08-10T11:54:00.002+01:00

I love my Tardis

2011-08-04T11:24:00.000+01:00

Doctor Who

2011-08-03T12:54:00.004+01:00

I am a Wizard

2011-07-31T11:53:00.000+01:00

Pottermore

2011-07-31T10:57:00.000+01:00

Today, I discovered I was a wizard.

Adam and the Ants

2011-07-28T10:26:00.001+01:00

I love Adam and the Ants at the moment. Here's a quick self-initiated project which was to design a cover for Room at the Top. I went for a typographic solution, here are a few different compositions.

Another Sally Project

2011-07-27T17:19:00.001+01:00

I'm currently working on a new project; it's another Sally Project. There's hopefully going to be a set of three books which document Sally's adventures set in different historical periods. First up is Ancient Egypt. Below is the front cover. The other time periods I'm consider are Elizabethan England (Sally meets a highway man) and possibly 1970's Britain.

Doctor Who Quote

2011-07-20T10:22:00.001+01:00

Here's a quote from the last episode of Series 1.

Work in Progress

2011-07-18T11:04:00.003+01:00

I'm having a little practice with airbrushing techniques. It's currently in progress.

Harry Potter!

2011-07-14T11:10:00.000+01:00

I'm so excited for the final Harry Potter. That is all.

Stationary

2011-07-13T11:15:00.002+01:00

A vector illustration of the 8 most used items in my pencil case.

Life on Mars

2011-07-12T12:11:00.000+01:00

I'm currently working my way through Series 1 of Life on Mars again. I think beyond a shadow of a doubt my favourite character has to be Test Card Girl. So here's a quick little illustration I did whilst watching the show. Ashes to Ashes next.

DVD Cover

2011-07-11T13:23:00.003+01:00

Update: This is my 100th post.

I'm currently doing a bit a design work for my old college, it's nothing exciting, they just need a DVD cover designing. So as part of my post-a-day for summer I thought I'd post up my design response to the brief so far.

Blog Neglect

2011-07-10T21:20:00.003+01:00

Enough of blog neglecting now, as of tomorrow I hope to blog a post a day. Keep your eyes peeled. =)

(Or at least every other day)

Cosmonaut's Last Message

2011-06-28T15:48:00.000+01:00

Currently working on some printed media for a friend's production of A Cosmonauts Last Message to the Woman Once He Once Loved in the Former Soviet Union
Follow @Cosmonaut2011 on Twitter, or why not check out the tumblr: http://cosmonautslastmessage.tumblr.com/

St Bride Library

2011-06-17T10:03:00.000+01:00

Here are some snaps from my final project at Uni. It was rebranding project which positioned St Bride Library as a 21st Century resource for creatives. The logo, a set of icons, a letterhead and app all carry through the textured treatment as part of the brand experession.

Outline Editions Workshop

2011-06-17T09:54:00.000+01:00

Last week I went to a great little workshop, in Soho. With lots of glue, scissors and bits to cut and stick, we created work inspired by Anthony Burrill.

One Word Brief

2011-06-17T09:50:00.001+01:00

I had my work up at The Rag Factory recently as part of the One Word Brief competition. (My entry is the one with orange words.)

Cargo

2011-06-07T09:07:00.002+01:00

I'm currently trying to set-up my own portfolio/website, after some recommendations I've decided to give Cargo Collective a go. It may be a while before it's all up and running, but it seems to better the option compared to a few other sites I've tried so far. Keep an eye out at: http://cargocollective.com/soofiya

Behance

2011-05-29T16:36:00.001+01:00

I've just set up another portfolio on behance, so far there's just my Sally's House project up, but I hope to put up some of my Uni projects too: http://www.behance.net/soofiya

Portfolio

2011-05-29T13:40:00.000+01:00

Updated my carbonmade portfolio: soofiyachaudry.carbonmade.com

Re-branding project

2011-05-25T19:25:00.000+01:00

I'm currently working on a rebranding project for uni (see previous post) for which we have to re-brand St Bride Library. Below is my response to the brief, I've gone for a textured feel to keep in within the tradition of the insituation. alongside this, l've used Akzidenz-Grotesk condensed to make it feel a little more modern. I'm hoping to print the logo onto some tote/canvas bag and t-shirts, depending on how adventurous I'm feeling.

Cosmonaut's Last Message

2011-05-18T08:59:00.000+01:00

My lovely friend Rebecca is directing a play and has asked me to design a couple of flyer/leaflets, tickets and programmes for the show. It's a really interesting play about two isolated Cosmonauts in space and a couple of characters who are equally isolated on earth. Buy your tickets asap! (Black Box Theatre, Knaphill, £7/£8) Below are few initial mock-ups. I think my favourite is the first I find it far more striking that the other variation, although the leading for 'Cosmonaut's last message' is ridiculous

Happy Blog Birthday

2011-05-15T20:40:00.002+01:00

It's also been a year since my first ever blog post.

Re-branding St Bride Library

2011-05-15T19:32:00.002+01:00

The current project I'm working on for Uni is to re-brand St Bride Library by creating a new logo and set of symbols. St Bride is a lovely little print and graphics library in Fleet Street. Right now I'm going through the process of refining all the designs and having a little experiment with the logos using stencils and paint. On a side note 'The Beginners Guide to Time Travel' is all done and just needs printing, more on that to follow soon.

Hands

2011-05-08T17:30:00.000+01:00

I brought some little plastic jewelry stands and some very strong glue to stick them in place with and made a little installation to hang up a few odds and ends.

Tardis

2011-04-21T13:58:00.001+01:00

In anticipation for this week's new series of Doctor Who, I took my TARDIS on a little photo-shoot. Below are two of my favourites, I haven't yet had a chance to Photoshop them, but hopefully I'll clean them up and play around with the levels/curves soon.

More Photography

2011-04-15T11:57:00.000+01:00

Tardis!

2011-04-12T17:28:00.003+01:00

Here's an illustration from my easter project, I think it's one of my favourites. On a side note, the new series of Doctor Who begins this month, I can't wait!

A beginners guide...

2011-03-29T19:03:00.001+01:00

Currently I'm working on a personal project and have made a little mock-up for 'A Beginners Guide to Time Travel'. It's a quirky how-to guide filled with tips for any would-be time traveller. It's a working progress and so far only has a few pages, but hopefully over the holidays I plan to develop it further.

Photos and more Photos

2011-03-28T20:39:00.002+01:00

I spent the day taking lots and lots of photos, here are a few of my favourites, the first one is of a knitting machine and the rest are all snaps from the Tate.

Photography

2011-03-24T08:11:00.001Z

I had a little go at taking some photos (below are three of my favourites), the last two happen to be mistakes from where the camera moved a little, but I quite like how they turned out. This is a small installation I have above my little reading corner, it's very annoying when they get tangled together, but they kind of remind me of planets and I can momentarily pretend I'm in space or something.

Refining Work

2011-03-23T09:06:00.000Z

Over the Easter break I hope to refine some existing projects, in particular A Chip in the Sugar as I really enjoyed this one and also the Olympic Park Map too, as I still feel it could be taken a lot further. Alongside this, I plan to do something Sally-based, perhaps a little book or a mini-zine. I'm going to start off with the 'Chip in the Sugar' or Sally; it should fun.

Diagrams

2011-03-21T11:52:00.001Z

This unit has been all about diagrams, the brief was to design a map for the olympic athletes as a primary audience. I've found the overall project really challenging, as trying to cram in all the information, making it look good, and have it make it sense is a real mission. Below is an A2 poster, designed to sit outside the Olympic Village so athletes can navigate their way from there. There's also a hand held map, a wallet card and app to come.

A Chip in the Sugar, again

2011-02-26T07:36:00.001Z

Here are a few spreads for the interactive book; designed for the iPad. The concept mirrors the printed book, so some layers will be semi-translucent or transparent etc. A bouns feature with the interactive book is that it will include all the monologues from Talking Heads, ao you are able to flick through. Additionally, they all work in portait and landscape so you can shake the iPad about and watch the images and text fall into place for the new orientation.

100 days

2011-02-22T09:12:00.000Z

On the train this morning I read an article in the Design Observer (http://observersroom.designobserver.com/oblog/entry.html?entry=24678) which really got me thinking. The article is about an assignment which is set over 100 days, the idea is repeat the same exercise or activity each day, and to do so for 100 days, for example one case study from the article looked at a girl who took photos with people she had never meet before, and then gathered them all together in a book. The article and concept of the project was really inspiring and has driven me to work on a similar project, in my free time. For a 100 days I plan to record what I do for each hour of the day. So by the end I should be work out an average day and see use this basis for the content of a book. I hope to compile a twenty-four double page spreads (one for each hour) in the book, each spread will visualise each hour.

Final Book

2011-02-20T11:15:00.000Z

I've finished binding the book and now it's bound and ready to go for Monday's deadline. I've stitched it down the side and added a 220gsm cover, and used a mixture of semi translucent paper, coloured acetate and 90gsm paper to create layers which enhance the content.

Talking Heads

2011-02-15T09:51:00.000Z

This is one of the many mock-ups for the Alan Bennett Talking Heads project. Hopefully, the final book should be bound and ready to go by the end of this week.

A Chip in the Sugar

2011-02-13T11:55:00.001Z

I'm currently working on a project which is all about creating a visual response to Alan Bennett's Talking Head's monologues; I've decided to fous on A Chip in the Sugar. Right now I'm in the process of binding the book and trying a find a digital solution to project, it's going surprisingly well.

Check this out:

2011-02-11T22:14:00.000Z

My friend Alice has a blog, it's super duper: http://gossipworld24.blogspot.com/

Warwick Part 2

2011-02-11T08:13:00.001Z

Currently I've been working on some banners and posters for Warwick Uni's Mental Health Awareness Week. This is the developed design, I decided to go with some vector-style images and kept a blue-ish colour theme.

Warwick

2011-02-07T13:52:00.000Z

I'm currently working on some stuff for Warwick Uni, their SU is holding a Mental Health Awareness Week, and they needed a banner, some flyers and posters designing.

Below is initial draft-up of the banner.

Science Museum

2011-01-21T21:11:00.001Z

After reading about johnson banks's (no caps) branding for the Science Museum I decided to pop by and see it in action. First off, what I find most striking is the typography; it's fantastic (see first picture below). Everything about the geometric style of the typeface, constructed by The Foundry say's 'Science Museum' without stating the obvious. Not only because of the angular type somewhat reminiscent of a digital calculator, everything about the new brand identity is gracefully subtle from the airbrushed faceless face to the primary coloured circles. If you've been around London these past few months, you may have seen some of the posters (second picture below) around the tube stations, with the airbrushed face; I find that sharp lines of the type really draw a distinction between image and type. The only thing I could complain about is how eerie it can seem, the faceless face that is, a little off putting at first: but regardless a fantastic piece of design.

P.s: Shelly, I promise to take you to the Science Museum soon.

Logo Design

2011-01-17T17:12:00.008Z

Currently I'm working on my own brand identity, as I hope to, finally, set up my own website. Anyway in preparation, I've been working on a logo ideas. (On the left is my favourite so far.) It was originally an old button used for my website template, however, I quite like the hand written style of it all, so this has to be in the top 3 of logo ideas. Also, turns out Shamim reads my blog. Hello, Shamim.

Airbrushing

2011-01-14T21:50:00.003Z

I've be exploring airbrushing and photo manipulation I played around with blending options, and later the hue and saturation to achieve a different hair colour and change the eye make a little; also used the gaussian blur and high pass filter to airbrush. The pretty girl in the photos, is once again my friend Phillippa, (check out her blog, it's super awesome) Below are the original and edited photos:

Yet more photoshop practice...

2011-01-14T16:09:00.001Z

Experimenting with some type today, I've used Avant Garde, for this; I think I'm growing quite fond this particular typeface!

More Photoshopping!

2011-01-13T09:57:00.002Z

Yesterday I spent quite a bit of time editing some photos.
Below are the original and photoshopped version of the images. I've tried to make it seem like a studio shot, so I cut the figure out of the scene, dropped in a white to very light grey gradient in the background, added a shadow, played around with curves and hue/saturation on the hair and tights. And there it is! (Also a fun fact: the pretty girl in the photo is my friend Philippa!)

Computer Arts Tutorial

2011-01-12T11:49:00.001Z

I decided to treat myself to a copy of Computer Arts for the train journey home, and there was this great little tutorial on page 60. It gave some really good insights into using grids and smart guides in Illustrator. The mains letters 'S' and 'C' were created in Illustrator, then there was some photoshopping magic, to add the glow effect and a little background texture. Below is my version of the final image, it's not my best, but it's really helped me in getting to grips with Illustrator.

Photoshopping Fun!

2010-12-20T18:31:00.007Z

Today, I've been practising lots of techniques on Photoshop; I found some really good tutorials online which have helped loads! Here's something I photoshopped together, overall all there were sooo many layers in the .PSD file, I was surprised my Mac could still function.

I quite like the neon-y look it's got going on, I think it still needs a lot refinement, regardless. I want to trying working with a sans-seirf style next! Perhaps a little-tribute- to-Helvetica wallpaper?

Sally!

2010-11-25T15:20:00.000Z

Here's Sally! I've been playing around with illustrator for software training today, I've made a few feeble attempts at using the Gradient Mesh tool in order to add shadow and imply light. It's currently in progress, but here's a sneak peek!

Converse and an unfinished iPhone

2010-11-11T21:38:00.001Z

Okay, so lately I've been really preoccupied with Uni, especially the Typography unit we're currently working on; I'm learning a lot though! For example, did you know that Jan Tschichold was friends with Paul Renner, the designer of my favourite ever typeface, Futura? No? Oh...
Anyway, for something a little more exciting, here's some new vector illustrations I've been working on for software training.

The first is an orange converse trainer, I so want one in a creamy colour, like the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who! The second is a little sneak peek at the iPhone I'm working on, it's not finished but will be done soon, I hope!

Vector Magic!

2010-11-02T16:38:00.003Z

Okay, so I have been practicing my skills on Illustrator at the moment. In Software Training at Uni, we are being taught quick techniques to make some really complex and realistic looking pieces rather quite simply. I had a lot of fun constructing this iPod Nano, so yeah, any thoughts and suggestions would be welcome. I'm also working on an iPhone too (coming soon!)

The Unilever Series: Ai Weiwei

2010-10-28T07:55:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the lack of regular updates, I've been running here and there for Uni these days! Anyway, yesterday along with a couple friends, I decided to drop by the Tate Modern, there was this fantastic exhibit there by a guy called Ai Weiwei. I really recommend checking it out, as the rather quite poor pictures I snapped on my iTouch really don't do it justice.
The exhibit is called Sunflower Seeds, below you'll see a picture of millions of individually hand-painted porcelain sunflower seeds. It's really something!

First Project!

2010-10-15T09:12:00.002+01:00

We have a little 'ice-breaker' style project going on at Uni, basically it's just something to take to Induction! Anyway, the idea is you're meant to bring with you: a piece of good design, a piece of bad design and piece of ugly design. I decided to focus on Typography, and here's my response to this little mini project:

Just a quick little post

2010-09-23T08:59:00.000+01:00

Some of my friends are grabbing blogs and joining in the blogging fun!
So, I thought i'll post up their blog address:

Phillippa: http://philippax.wordpress.com/
Maria: http://lovecuriosity.tumblr.com/

P.S Type book is going well, should be able to post up some proper posts with pictures and scans soon!

Little Break!

2010-09-19T11:17:00.003+01:00

I'm going to take a little break from blogging for a bit! I've got lots to catch up with, and lots of work to do; fun times! While I'm away, I'm going to be working on a little book about typography, so I should have lots of exciting stuff to post about when I return!

Mini Easel and Canvas!

2010-09-14T17:49:00.002+01:00

A while ago I brought the most amazing mini easel and canvas from a local art shop! It's tiny, and makes me feel like a giant! Anyway, I used a small brush and a new set of paints for it!

First Day at Work

2010-09-11T19:08:00.003+01:00

I'm dead...

Check out that parking skill!

2010-09-08T10:22:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, we went to the park to play Extreme Hide and Seek, sadly it rained quite heavily. So instead we rolled down the windows, did some nifty little parking, hid in the cars and played
card games through the windows! Anyway, I couldn't resist taking a photo and then adding a little photoshop magic, so here it is:

Scary Stuff

2010-09-03T09:46:00.003+01:00

Would you believe it? It's September already! All sorts of things are now happening, but mostly Uni is within sight and that the summer is officially over. So, this morning I decided to open up my box of plastercine and have some fun, after a little photoshopping magic, Super Hardy, is now flying in the sky!

2010-08-29T09:36:00.001+01:00

Guess What?

2010-08-26T18:32:00.000+01:00

I passed my theory test for driving today! Only the practical test to go and I can pretend to be a grown-up!

Alice's Face!

2010-08-24T16:36:00.002+01:00

Okay, so I've been away photoshopping this and that! I stumbled across a really good tutorial online the other day, and well I decided to give it go. I used a picture of my friend Alice, because she's the only one who lets me take stalker pictures for the sake of 'graphics'! Overall it's a reasonable attempt, I suppose,hopefully with a bit of refining it'll be better! I picked up a few techniques along the way which I wouldn't mind experimenting with a little, mostly for working with lots and lots of layers and getting the whole 'watercolour' style.

2010-08-17T12:31:00.000+01:00

2010-08-11T11:18:00.002+01:00

2010-08-06T10:14:00.003+01:00

Lots More Redecorating

2010-08-01T10:18:00.001+01:00

Well, its been a really busy week, but it was good fun! The redecorating of my room is nearly done, nearly, almost, just about, kind of, finished! Also, gloss paint will be the death of me...really, it will. (Yes i did wallpaper the light switch; that's one long story)

2010-07-29T21:59:00.002+01:00

Redecorating!

2010-07-26T10:27:00.004+01:00

There's lots more to go, with all the new furniture and bed covers still to come. Not to mention cleaning the mess I made when I was attempting to be helpful! I'll hopefully post up some photos of the finished room! (In addition to that, I must head down to Paperchase and buy that frame!)
P.S Alice and Abi: the door you so kindly painted, is still there, it looks soo abstract and clashes with everything in sight, but it is there! =)

2010-07-24T09:22:00.000+01:00

2010-07-20T13:07:00.002+01:00

Summer Journal

2010-07-19T15:34:00.004+01:00

Okay, so lots of plans for this summer, including:

Setting up and designing my website
Working on a website for Becky
Working on Sally (as i do every summer)
The usual daily adventures
Working on past projects, refining and redesigning

and now...I have a super cool summer journal, which I just bought today, to doodle and draw in! I plan to do a page a day, and hopefully post a few up here!

Website

2010-07-14T14:48:00.005+01:00

Over the summer I plan to set up my own website showcasing my work and hopefully a little shop which will be selling prints of some stuff I've done. Right now I'm going through some design ideas for the website, I've had a little look around at some designers web pages and i really quite like a hand drawn style a few of them have gone for.

I'm quite fond of the hand-drawness of this one, i've tried to focus on the hand-written type for it; as it adds bit of a personality.

My personal favourite; I took a snap of me holding some cardboard. I was thinking about merging the illustrated designs with this cardboard one, but then again I like the simplicity of it. Perhaps after some experiments using Flash with this one it could be fun!

Maria's Blog

2010-07-07T15:11:00.000+01:00

My friend Maria set up her own blog not so long ago, and well, she's rather quite kindly added a link to my blog, so in return here's a link to hers! Marias Blog

Portfolio!

2010-07-06T19:02:00.002+01:00

Just updated my portfolio with a few snapshots of my sketchbooks! =)
Check it out!

Vector-ness! (For you, Alice)

2010-07-02T15:17:00.005+01:00

Had pretty good day so far, had a driving lesson, went to the park with some friends, played card games, cheated at the card games with Maria, and decided to start experimenting with Illustrator. This is just a quick thing, I'm trying to get the hang of the pen tool after quite some time of not using it! I want to have a go at some more detailed and finer vector illustrations over the summer hopefully!

Scribble Project!

2010-06-30T09:14:00.002+01:00

I'm up on the Scribble Project Blog today! =)

Art Exhibition

2010-06-26T08:09:00.017+01:00

Well today was the Art Exhibition, it was pretty good,

Here's me next to my work; its the Garden Veg Project and my Animation stuff

I took some photos of my favourite stands, this is by a lovely girl named Kiara, its was on a canvas, (but i couldn't quite get back far enough to include the easel and all) and it's superb!

This one is by a girl named Sarah. Its for a shop display for Thortons. She also won Best-In-Show (I was told this morning by her friend Sarah who happens to look like Sally), she definitely deserved it, her work is amazing!

Garden Veg

2010-06-19T11:45:00.003+01:00

I reworked the advertising posters too. This one is for soup!

For more Garden Veg stuff: click here

Old Poster:

New Poster:

So, no dramatic changes here, I just played around with the composition a little as the old layout really wasn't working to well. I included a little picture of a soup pot in the bottom right hand corner and changed the sizing a bit. I think the new poster's a lot simpler. I'm somewhat pleased overall with the re-designing of this past project. =)