Design Strategy Presenetation

I feel this presentation went far better than my previous one as I was a lot more capable of controlling my nerves for some reason. Probably because there was not a whole classroom filled with people watching me present, as was the case last time round. I also prepared in depth notes, as previously I had relied on the slides alone to prompt what I was to say which with no practice I thought would be fine, which it would've been as I'm passionate about my work and can easily and fluidly discuss my ideas in crits and to my peers, however in front of a packed class my anxiety got the better of me. I was proud of myself however for sticking in through as I was very close to exiting the classroom as my name was called , to go first.





I ran over time slightly on this presentation however and felt a number of slides nearer the end particularly the Lazy Gear element may have been a bit rushed, which may have in fact been a positive as I'm incredibly excited and passionate about reviving it to the point where I could be waffling on for days. I was very happy with the positive feedback I got and my ability to present at ease helped me prove to myself I was more than capable of expressing my ideas in this fashion, as this often concerns me when thinking of presenting to clients later on in life.

I also feel that less writing on the slides was an improvement on last presentation as it looks clearer, neater and more of a visual experience for the audience so they can focus on my voice and images as opposed to all this plus having to read off the screen from my messy handwritten notes.

LinkedIn

Hopefully with the addition of extra information such as work experience and Education my profile will gain greater views. I furthermore added links to my Lazy Gear website and personal online portfolio site which I first set up last year for foundation and have added to every now and again. It includes a blog also for my foundation work.

Unfortunately however the Lazy Gear link for some reason has no image and only says 'Home' as opposed to a more obvious link. I'm glad the lemon appeared however on the link to my portfolio as I feel it embodies a glimpse of what kind of work I produce.

I initially chose my LinkedIn profile picture to be the same I edited the other day for Lazy Gear so as to represent my clothing brand however then felt this was too heavily focused on this, so I brought it back to my own self branding identity and changed this to a section of my self branding visual identity as the 'Chaotic Communicator':

I still kept the header image as a snippet of a Lazy Gear photoshoot as I feel this composition is interesting as it doesn't reveal much but hopefully intrigues and all will be explained in the description, but mainly the link in my description. 

LAZY GEAR

I haven't been working on Lazy Gear very much at all ever since I started uni, but have recently slowly began reviving it, I brought my sewing machine up to Leeds and have started making outfits again, when I'm back from London over Easter I furthermore plan to bring a suitcase up I have in my room full of hand printed t-shirts I've made. I have a screen print frame and have hand inked different designs onto mesh and attached it to print my own long and short sleeve tops and dresses branded 'Lazy Gear'.

I started selling these to my friends initially but then created my own website, putting up other items I made; handmade jewellery, hand painted personalised jackets, shoes and lighters. I also co-ords in a range of fabrics, usually selected by the buyer if I know them personally to create a more personal outcome.



I recently changed up the design also as previously the crop tops didn't fit so well unless I used lycra fabrics, but even so we're not very structured so when worn could easily become misshapen. Now however the tops have a corset back with a waist band and attached fabric triangles for the chest; not only does it make the top far more robust it also looks incredibly flattering, particularly with the adjustable ribbon fastenings on the neck and corset back.

Another example of more personal items I've created is hand painted jackets using a combination of fabric paint and acrylics, I really love spending time on these however as of yet have mainly just done these for friends so plan to branch out with this;

Recently photography student Katrina Owen contacted me with great interest in my products, requesting a photoshoot which she later developed into a zine, of me wearing the clothes I'd designed and made. This was incredibly flattering and the main motivation for me to start Lazy Gear up again as I often lack this motivation due to self doubt. Then people started popping up requesting to buy certain items which is added inspiration for me to develop my skills. Here are some images from the photoshoot:



I then took my favourite image which I felt did my new crop top with corset back the most justice and edited over using a graphics pen for the second time:



I feel revisiting my own clothing brand will be a lot more successful this time round thanks to my developed skills in all areas, particularly being able to brand myself has extended my understanding of how I can market myself, as well as the contacts and people I've met in Leeds who can aid my development. For example the photographs taken by student Katrina Owen were then developed into a zine which I hope to receive shortly, I've also been contacted by multiple people asking if I needed models; it was a further confidence boost to hear they weren't bothered about payment but were just happy to represent my own brand creation. This was after posting the image above as a 'teaser' on social media which received the most 'reactions' I've probably ever had with incredibly positive feedback, this makes me feel guilty for not then continuing which is sometimes what I need, as well as validation!

It seems funny how a little sketch I did about 2 years ago has developed into a logo and visual identity; I'm more motivated than ever.