Katy Trouble

Nuji : Social Wishlisting

2011-12-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

I probably should have shared this a long time before Christmas and not two days before however I have been ridiculously busy, my excuse as always. Better late than never, Nuji is a social wishlisting service. I didn't use it for a few months after receiving the invite and then got addicted in the run up to Christmas and it's made my parents life a lot easier too as they never know what to buy me!

You can follow my Nuji here and then in the same way that all social sites work re-tag and post to your hearts content. What I love about Nuji is how simple and clean the layout is and how easy it is to buy from, just click through the product to be taken to the products page. Easy peasy and completely addictive!

Bruno Dayan

2011-12-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

I came across Bruno Dayan while I was still in university studying Advertising. One day I stumbled across some fashion editorial shots he had taken and saved them to my inspiration folder, forgetting completely about them. I was messing around with time machine last night on my mac and found them again, so I spent last night scouring his website and rediscovering my love for him.

November & December

2011-12-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

The last couple of months have been so hectic! After leaving my job, I began freelancing, working within the Ignite 100 offices in Newcastle. It was so much fun and inspiring being surrounded by so many creative and talented minds. I also didn't have to be in the office 5 days a week which meant lovely mornings spent drinking coffee at my desk in the window, resulting in lots of wintry pictures (See above).

As well as freelance work, I kept myself busy writing my column for DN magazine and also Christmas articles for Concept Recruitment's blog. I've also realised I need to start carrying my camera around with me more often, as my new phone camera just isn't up to scratch and I've been going to some lovely places.

Recently I've been to Barnard Castle to choose a Christmas tree. This is a family tradition, we go & pick a tree, either from the woods where it is then cut down for you or we pick a pre-cut one from the stables where they hang from the roof, then we all go get a hot chocolate with marshmallows. It was my brothers 21st party also in December, we made him a Paul Smith 'mini' cake and then last week my Mom and I took a trip to Bowes Museum for their Christmas market which I would blog more about but I bought a lot of Christmas presents for people so I won't! News just in, I confirmed my new job today which I will be starting in January... I'm very excited, more details to come soon on this though.

Lumiere 2011

2011-11-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

Last night myself and A (if you follow me on twitter you'll already know about A) went to Durham for the Lumiere Festival. Fortunately because I'm from Durham, I knew a sneaky car parking spot in the city centre and my way around however it seemed a lot of other people didn't and left a lot of bad reviews on the website.

I am glad we went along, it was lovely wintry evening out and the installations were beautiful. My favourite was Tracey Emin's Be Faithful to Your Dreams. However I have to agree with some of the complaints it was so unbelievable busy that it spoilt the effect a little. I think it just needs to be an extra day or too longer, to spread the crowds out a little more.

DN Magazine

2011-10-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

One of my little projects I have on the side line since leaving uni is writing a column for DN Magazine. The second issue has just come out which can be viewed here. I was page 12 & 13 in the first issue and I'm further towards the back of 'The Gay Issue' #43. Writing is something I've always enjoyed but never pursued but I'm loving writing for DN, it's so refreshing from having to write about menswear and it's almost an extension of this blog.

If you want to read the text from the September issue (I am a comedy genius mind) then click here. I'm already full of ideas for my third column and a few opportunities which are just around the corner!

New Things

2011-10-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

I've been a bad blogger. I should really update my bio to say 'occasional blogger' but to be perfectly honest I just haven't had the energy or the patience to sit down at the end of the day and resize photos, take other photos and then write about them. I don't feel as if I have as much energy when I'm up North. Anyway enough with the excuses, I've been trying to take a decent photo of my new bag. Except I can't seem to get a good shot no matter what I do, so excuse the arm in the photo!

I got it from London Fashion Weekend in the Juicy Couture sale, where I paid a measly £40 for it, it was reduced from in the hundreds and is pure lambs leather which may irritate some people but it feels so incredibly soft! It looks exactly like a small version of the Proenza Schouler PS1 just slightly more round and has a leather tassle. I love it and it's perfect for everyday wear.

I also got a lovely new bracelet from my friend Gina who runs Gipsey Moth and I LOVE it. I haven't taken it off since I got it. Everyone wants to know where I got it from so I thought I'd take a cheeky photo of that to make up for the lack of bag photos. Hopefully once I get into a routine properly I'll be back in the blogging mode!

London Fashion Week

2011-09-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

I'm so busy and tired right now, I haven't had time to blog and when I do get time I just sleep. Working in fashion has its perks but it's also a LOT of hard work and late nights. One of the perks though, is getting sent to fashion week. I only caught the end, just in time for man day and caught several shows. So I went show hopping with Gipsey Moth, we were seated for some but my favourite and the best view by far was standing at Oliver Spencer.

I managed to forget my camera and my phone took rubbish photos so these are courtesy of coggles that I found on google images. I absolutely adored the classic tailoring mixed up with balaclavas and pointy wool hats. Another show favourite was Asger Juel Larsen vs. T.Lipop but I want to eventually get round to doing a seperate post because I loved this show just as much.

The day after we hit Musical Bingo for a mad night out with all the usual antics. Charlotte joined me to head to London Fashion Weekend on the Friday where I bought the most amazing hand bag ever (another post coming up). Bed time now but I will be back at the weekend.

In the mean time and if you're in the North, try check out my column in DN magazine. I saw it in print for the first time yesterday and I love it. Photos soon when I've got round to writing my piece for the next issue!

Countryside Chic : An outfit post (of sorts)

2011-09-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I grew up on a farm. There is a photo of me rocking Hunter Wellies and my Dad's Barbour waistcoat completed by a riding hat when I was around 5 somewhere in my parents house, long before it ever became fashionable. I was never into the countryside much, I liked my horse and that was about as excited as I could get about it. My parents used to joke I was swapped at birth because I was so unlike them. I've learned to embrace the countryside though and now I live in a city, I appreciate going back to it so much more.

Which is how I ended up at Wolsingham Agricultural Show today, (it's a very pretty place - see here.) family in toe to support prize winning chickens! Wolsingham Show is small in comparison to some of the others but after trailing round the animals, watching the gymkhana etc I lovelovelove wandering around the craft tents, farmers market and having a go on the waltzers!

So I guess this is an outfit post of sorts. My staple hunter wellies from aphrodite - I cannot live without these. They are very muddy! My Dad is a firm believer in, if your wellies aren't dirty, you haven't been working hard enough. The jeans are Levi's 510s, and the oversized chunky knit jumper is from primark! It always rains post August in the North East so I keep the green waterproof jacket which rolls into the tiniest ball ever & folds into it's pocket in my mulberry roxanne which you can't really see because it's under my arm!

I stayed at my parents for a cup of tea after we'd been and went to see there new litter of puppies because they're growing so quickly! I tend to be quite boring how I dress but then go over the top with accessories so I'm wearing massive gold flower engraved hoops from Matalan. A few weeks ago I went a bit crazy & bought loads from there. It's one of my favourite stores at the moment.

Leeds Festival: Trendspotting

2011-08-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

The lovely Aphrodite bosses were kind enough to send me off to Leeds Festival to do some 'trend researching' the other day. So off I tootled with my friends Yasmin, Davie, Scott and Ben to spend a day in the sun enjoying some really good music. Oh and spotting some fashion trends!

I haven't really got a full outfit picture but I wore Topshop Leigh Jeans, vintage vest/bra thing, Topshop white T, standard Ray Ban's & hunter wellies. I'm a big fan of layers at Festivals, (I get cold easily, unlike Yasmin I bailed on my shorts) so I also wore my check shirt is my Mom's from the 80's and a Gap hoodie. At one point it did start to rain but our friends at Rare-Ape had a stall and Emily kindly lent me a blue mac to wear for the day! Yasmin also wears a pink vintage jumper from Rare Ape and Ben is decked out in Aphrodite's Barbour!

We saw all sorts of bands and consumed lots of vodka and coke. We saw some funny things including a guy wearing the above trousers... not one for the book of Aphrodite trends! My friends all secured a life long dream of seeing The Strokes live (lucky me had already seen them) and with a minor incident of loosing Davie in Leeds, we came home for some much needed sleep.. in a BED! Though next year I've decided I want to camp in one of the pod/sheds Vice magazine did. They look pretty swish!

Busy busy busy....

2011-08-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated in a while partly because I have been so busy. Don't get me wrong! I absolutely love my job and working full time is so nice given that I now have a routine. It struck me the other day that uni is actually over now... I won't be able to take a nap when I feel like it or hang out with the uni gang in Greggs. These seem like silly things but I just felt like come September 18th, I'd be back at the design centre slaving away again. Instead I'll be at .

I'm going to do a seperate post at some point explaining my job in more detail because it's a bit lengthy to explain. In other news, I've been getting up to all kinds of random adventures, I went to T in the Park (see photographic evidence) and I moved back to Sunderland into a new lovely Victorian style flat (another planned post).

There is no time for rest either, I'm off to Leeds Festival this weekend and then before you know it, it will be London Fashion Week and I'm off to scout ideas for Aphrodite, then taking a wee trip to Fashion Weekend with my friend Charlotte. So it's all go and now I actually have internet and furniture, I will try and update more.

Client London

2011-07-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

I posted the other day about Client London sending me some bits and pieces in the post which was a complete surprise! My Mom immediately nabbed the eye shadows claiming I never wear colour which I guess is true. I stole it back to take photos of the packaging though as I love it. I also NEVER wear lip gloss/stain/stick etc because when I was younger I was bit by a dog and a very tiny piece of my lip is missing. Even though I know you can't see, I still would rather draw attention to my eyes. However I really like the client lip gloss which acts more as a stain and covers the bit missing from my top lip.

So I took a look at Client's website and picked out my highlights. If I could guarantee that that trench (see below) would fit my tiny size 6 frame I'd be all over it. I tend to be very boring when it comes to dressing and then spice it up a bit with a piece of jewelery or some stockings and that is exactly what I think Client is perfect for. It certainly spiced up my make up bag, I only hope the rest of the packaging is equally as funky!

The Future...

2011-07-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

I never assumed that once my university life was over that this blog would continue but having thought about it, it seems silly just to stop writing especially when there is so many new things to record and remember. I have never claimed to be a writer until now, when I have submitted two pieces of freelance work and being given my own column to write. Whatever happens I don't want to be classed as one of those 'pretentious bloggers' or end up making myself out to be someone I'm not.

While working in London at The Soho Collective I was asked via twitter to attend a launch party for a new fashion line called Client. Unfortunately I already had meetings planned for the evening and couldn't attend however I was sent the lookbook and press release. The girl Beth who was emailing me described Client as 'think Stalin's secretary meets a spy down an alleyway in Berlin, whilst listening to French techno!' This obviously tickled me and I immediately popped on some French techno.

Having completely forgot about this happening, I received a package in the post the other day with some 'Client' cosmetics. So thank you very much to Client for sending those over, I have taken a few photos and will do a cheeky post later as the packaging is fab but for now the above is a kiss for client, note I never normally wear anything on my lips but I love the lip gloss they sent!

Katy Trouble BA (Hons) Graphic Communication & Design

2011-07-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

It only took me five years, three universities and a hell of a lot of hard work but I finally graduated. I will admit there are some things I'd love to change but everyone makes mistakes right?! And everything definitely happens for a reason.

Meet my little brother by the way everyone, Adam (aka the Alan Carr lookalike), he came with my parents to the ceremony which was at the Stadium of Light. It was an excellent day, the weather was perfect and we had some really nice food. I wore (not that you can tell from this photo) a Miss Selfridge dress and my late Grandma's vintage shoes, they were the perfect heel height for the day. Vicky kindly came & did my make up for me, she's now available for freelance work so get in touch with her. After the ceremony we went for a meal and I got changed to go out in town with my friends.

Unfortunately graduation symbolized the end of an era, or a Truffle PR era at least! My final major project sparked the interest of several companies around the UK who got in contact to find out what work was inside those boxes. Despite being ready to move to London (completely packed) to work with Truffle PR and take on some other placements, I received an offer I simply couldn't refuse late on Thursday which meant I'm staying North! I begin work at Aphrodite next Monday as their new online/social media whizz kid and I'm thrilled. I love menswear and the brands they sell.

I will miss the Truffle girls and London more than anything but I am excited for new times and challenges! As well as a new job, I have been approached to write my own column in DN magazine and have been consulting on some interesting and exciting forth coming fashion projects in the North East - keep your eyes peeled for more information.

Final Major Project = Finished

2011-06-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

I handed in my final major project on Friday and all I got was this stupid photo. No. Really. In my mad panic to get everything done on time I forgot to photograph the contents, so all I have is this not very clear blackberry photo of the two mysterious boxes.

To be fair, I designed it all to have an air of mystery and a little bit of cheekiness to it.. I mean my name is Trouble after all! I just hope I got the right level of cheek and the tutors/external examiner people aren't too insulted/shocked by it.

It felt like a huge weight had being lifted for all of an hour. To top 'hand in week' off, I got some horrid food poisoning, had to move out of my flat (to my parents an hour away) & my car broke. Oh not to mention the first lot of printers emailing me to say some of my items wouldn't be ready till the 8th, the second lot of printers printing my book wrong and a rather risky incident with an iron, ribbon and my info-graphic poster. I survived to tell the tale though and on the drive home, Kanye West - Stronger came on the radio! Hah. The hard work doesn't stop now though, I'm frantically faffing with websites and preparing for my viva (Alan Sugar style presentation) next Monday. I absolutely cannot wait for next Monday now, to be finished for good and to prepare for my London move. Anyone want to hire me?! :)

EXD300 - Truffle x2

2011-05-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

Leaving Truffle PR was devastating the other week. All the gang at the Soho Collective came out for drinks at BKB's and it was a really lovely night before heading back to Notting Hill for the last time in my little flat. The good news a week later and Ellie calls me up to go back to help with some events. So I'm now popping up and down on a as and when needed basis until I move to London permanently in July!

I went down last Wednesday and we headed straight to two different events before going for a very late tea in a lovely restaurant in Chelsea, Megan's. I highly recommend it, it's so quaint and charming.

Thursday was spent getting ready for our Salto event at Comida which was a huge success. I left here early to head over to our other event Musical Bingo at Concrete where we had a cheeky few press attending. It was an excellent night, I only wish I'd taken a better camera other than my phone. Above pictured is the crowd in the interval and then one lucky winner!

Friday was leaving day and I spent the train journey working on my final major project and I've been non-stop photo-shopping since. Luckily it isn't too much longer to wait before I'm back to London again, a week today in fact! I honestly have no time to eat with all this commuting/working at Starbucks and trying to finish the EXD300 brief. Anyone interested in coming along to our event at Movida with Rob Ackroyd (Florence & the Machine) next Wednesday email ellie@trufflepr.com for more information & guestlist.

Final Major Project: The Soho Collective

2011-04-24T01:21:00.000-07:00

I honestly cannot believe there are only a few more days until I have to go back up North, I really honestly do not want to leave London again. On Thursday evening after a relatively hard week at work, we had drinks in the Soho Collective event space. It was such a good way to round off the difficult week. Old Compton Street has such an amazing vibe on a night time but even more so during the bank holiday.

We've been brain storming the strengthening of the truffle brand this week, so as well as tackling a media list for the collective I made a new business presentation for Truffle. There were various other things going on in the background of this week that I won't talk about online but let's just say I learnt a lot a dealing with difficult clients and how to handle their accounts. I shall say no more.

Truffle's very own Ellie Hernaman took part in a live q&a on the guardian's website this week. See if you can spot the ridiculously nice comment she put about her 'latest recruit' on there. It did make me feel super proud and I have a nice bit of evidence for my final major.

Speaking of my final major. I plan to upload logo's later on today provided I get some time. I feel like I've drawn over a million ideas and come back to the very first one. Typical.

Final Major Project: Placement

2011-04-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

What an amazing time I'm having in London. I really do need to blog more and take some more photos but I'm just so busy. The Truffle office is in an amazing building in Soho, there is another office downstairs made up of journalists, an exhibition/event floor and then above us, the roof terrace. Take a look at The Soho Collective's facebook page for some photos.

The good thing about Truffle being a boutique agency is that you get a lot more hands on experience than ever could be imagined. Previous places I've been I may has well just being a tea girl but I have already learnt so much in the time I've been there - I never want to leave.

How it all relates to my final major project: I already have experience in branding a start up company but I've never tackled it from a PR perspective. I have been involved in new business meetings, development meetings and attended launch events, seeing the process from beginning to end. It is exciting and when I finish work at the office, if we aren't going on to another meeting or attending an event, I'm at home sketching, and writing prospective press releases for 'Clothes for Coco.'

Editorial Design Hand In

2011-03-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I handed in my Editorial Module work. This was my penultimate hand in, only one more now which is June 2nd. I felt a little bit numb on Friday that I had no more time to improve anything, my final degree grade now rests in the hands of this final major project. Panic attack inducing thought!

My original proposal for editorial started out as a fashion magazine, I envisaged it as a similar size to that of creative review with constructive comparisons between the high street and designer. I guess it would have fallen in between Elle Collections and Company High Street Edit - However, after deciding on a name and noticing some photography work by a friend, I tweaked my idea. Marmite became a magazine dedicated to new and young talent separated into sections such as Fashion, Illustration and Design.

I had some amazing contributors, Alice, Kelly, Charis, Ian and Rosie. And of course my good friends Charlotte & Katherine. Marmite was predominantly a digital magazine which in a couple of weeks I'll upload the link to - I just have to wait for it to actually be seen by my tutor first.

There is definitely no rest for the wicked at the moment, as I'm knee deep in work for my final major project before I go to London on Saturday for the whole of April to intern for Truffle. Luckily I wrote my internship, placements and book crits into my proposal for my final major so technically I'm not loosing any time and I'll still get marked for it.

"You have to ruffle feathers in a different way."

2011-02-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

I was planning on blogging about London Fashion Week today but after going through my list of definites to watch from New York, I had to write about the Anna Sui show. Like the people who actually attended I physically cannot watch every show so I skim through a lot of links and save a list of musts. I cannot believe I didn't see this until today.

Anna Sui in general is a very likeable brand to begin with but watching her talk about how the show was put together she comes across as so very genuine and interested in design and design history which is something I've always pushed as a creative myself. You have to have an interest in life I believe to be a successful creative.

This particular collection was inspired by the ballet russes - I never got down to the V&A to see the exhibition last Autumn and I so wished I'd gone now. The prints are incredible and I can already see a lot of bloggers sub-consciously changing there backgrounds! Overall in general I love the cheekiness, the models smiled and although the colours were dark and bold prints were used, the kitten hats took the edge of things. It was such a pleasure to watch, I can imagine after a stressful day of shows for ed's this would have been a nice change.

Credit for the show images from fashionologie.com & if you want to see the show and Anna talk about the collection see here - I love the quote "That's what appeals to me about fashion, you have to ruffle feathers in a different way." I think it's the same for most of the creative industry, be different but know your stuff.

Editorial Design

2011-02-24T15:06:00.000-08:00

Just a sneak preview of some things I've been doing for editorial design. Credit to Charlotte for taking the one of me. To be perfectly honest I've completely changed my direction for my magazine and I'm focussing on new talent rather than fashion. However if any designers of all kinds would like their work featured, please feel free to email me.

I've had a few people already send me some work and it's amazing. Everyone so far has been from the North East and I'm amazed at the quality of talent we have up here. Hopefully London will snap these guys up.

NYFW - AW11

2011-02-16T15:54:00.000-08:00

One of the things I've pushed for at uni was cross disciplines between degrees. It isn't something that everyone agrees with but I see no reason why provided you work hard and learn you can't pick and choose in the creative industry. For example I'm a graphic communication and design student but I have placements in a magazine and a pr company. The two roles couldn't be more different. Fashion is a really strong interest of mine and something that inspires and affects the way I design.

I'm terrible at styling, I'm so boring when it comes to my outfit choices it is unreal but colours, patterns and shapes make me go weak at the knees. I haven't seen a lot of New York fashion week coverage because I've been so busy lately but from what I have, I'm already looking forward to winter. The detailing at preen (top left), I fell for, hard. I've already added a beaded background to the website I'm currently working on and I LOVE that warm blue.

I'd never wear anything like Preen or especially Rodarte (below) but Marc by Marc Jacobs (top right) is more my thing. I'm a very black, grey, leather type of a person with a splash of leopard print here and there. I've used metallics in my editorial design I'm on with at the moment and I'll definitely be including some wild prints now. I included Rodarte because although it was the collection I've been least impressed with (sorry everyone), it's the perfect influence for my final major. Wearability for myself I'd never go near but inspiration for my fmp, it's just spot on. Everything seemed very dainty but grown up and the baby cornflower blue colour is spot on what I've been searching for. Credit to topshop for images.

As for a weekly round up of other things I've been up to include eating vast amounts of cake as it was my birthday yesterday, wearing leather leggings.... & listening to passion pit, chase n status and ladyhawke. Eclectic as ever.

Final Major Proposal

2011-02-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

It is finally done and handed in. I'm so glad I can now actually just get on with the work and start experimenting. I have already been having a bit of a play around with different materials to create the logo for the brand. At the moment the proposed new name is 'Clothes for Coco.' If anyone has any suggestions or comments on this I'd love to hear them.

The mood boards (if you can call them that) are my favourite part of the proposal. There are four in total, two shown below. All images were pinched from blogs/tumblr etc so if you see yours... thanks! I've got these pinned up on my notice board and they just make me want to keep working and stay up another few hours. I'm going to make some for my editorial project since it is working so well for this.

Other exciting things happening recently include; a rather lovely trip to Lickety Split with Luke for a fairy fizz sundae. An adventurous night out for cocktails which resulted in me sleeping in my washing basket (don't ask). A make over at MAC by my friend Vicky who I've known since school and should have done my make up for me sooner! And lots more but most importantly I managed to get placement after my last post at Truffle PR. It completes my final major project but working in PR is something I really want to do once I graduate, I'm really excited and cannot wait for April now. Right now I'm off to bed but I'll leave you with this which I think is absolutely amazing.

You only live once...

2011-01-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

This is by no means a fashion or style blog, nor is this an outfit of the day post but I really wanted to show this amazing dress my friend Katherine lent me the other Saturday night. It was from Topshop, though I'm not sure when she bought it or how much for.

Katherine left early but Charlotte & I stayed out till crazy o'clock dancing. I remember very little from the night but my main memories were of me running through the bus station pretending to be batman. The chiffon sleeves were incredible. So you'll have to excuse my hungover / bedhead - no makeup face in the photos but I really wanted to show it off.

In other news I have completed my draft proposal for my final major which has being accepted. I'm going to be designing the complete branding for a fairly new childrenswear designer called Erin Brown. I'm also working on an editorial module where I'm attempting at designing a magazine currently titled Marmite. More on this later. And in between everything else, I'm searching out placements for April.. anyone want to have me as an intern get in touch!

2011

2011-01-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

A bit late as usual but I have been so ridiculously busy and to top it off my new moleskine weekly planner only just arrived so I haven't had any way of organizing myself. Not to mention my manic day when my blackberry and my mac both decided to die on me and the hangover from hell on New Years Day.

NYE was a hilarious night spent with some of my really funny girly friends and Charlotte - we drank a crazy amount of champagne and I barely remember anything post 2am. For those interested in what I wore, see here - (useless photo but you can see the chanel strap!) black body con dress from people tree, asos tights & shoe boots and Charlotte's Chanel 2.55

Work wise, I have been doodling a lot, tackling my dissertation which is almost complete despite feeling like it would never end and I've also being working on my proposal for my final major which I will reveal in a few days including photos. Yesterday was probably the best day for motivation, Patrick Collister (Previous chairman at Oglivy) gave a lecture at uni and hung around for the afternoon. I had a lovely chat with him and he even donated to our New Blood fund which was so nice of him. He made me remember why I'm bothering doing all this work, that the past five years haven't being for nothing. If you ever get the chance to see one of his talks - go!

Right now I'm off to tackle the editing of this dissertation. Tweaking it like crazy then designing it, ready for hand in next week.

Christmas

2010-12-19T14:44:00.000-08:00

I have finally handed in everything that I had to for my Christmas deadline at uni. We officially finished on Friday and celebrated by having our secret santa/ mini xmas party. Everyone brought nibbles and our tutor Tony kindly donated us several bottles of red wine. I honestly felt heartbroken realizing it was our last Christmas together. Having attended two other universities before ending up here, I have to admit I have never met a better group of people & enjoyed myself so much in a place where I'm 'being educated.'

I finished off 'Seeing Sight' by designing the research book and mounting photos of the final installation. The second half of my project was a module journal to do with everything that had influenced and inspired me during the last few months. I made a movie of a night drive which I edited and used this song by Lydia to go with it. Around September when everything was changing and M left for good, I listened to the Assailants album on repeat like a true emo trooper. It worked out for the best though because everything that happened seemed to make my design work so much more intense and I've been really happy with the outcome.

I ended up getting the book part of my module journal professionally printed after several unsuccessful attempts at binding myself. It featured different 4 different sections, about the past few months personally, my influences in London, Film and fashion week. For a sneaky look see here - you can also see my design space at uni.

Now is the hard part, I'm off uni but at work and in the inbetweens I'm writing my dissertation like a crazy woman. I cannot wait to hand this in.

Seeing Sight | A book

2010-12-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

I've had an insanely crazy week of hard work so I've enjoyed a well deserved break this afternoon at the stables. I was at uni then riding from 4pm and a nice glass of rose in the pub after. The horses all look lovely and cosy when we left in their coats. I on the other hand was not so cosy - it's absolutely freezing. I just got back in and was so ready for a bath and pj's.

In work terms I've been attempting to re-write parts of my dissertation and hitting the books, this I'm really struggling with. I have also been finishing up my module journal and I'm off to get my research back from the printers tomorrow. This uni business is so expensive, 25p for every sheet printed and £6.50 for perfect binding, which is relatively cheap compared to the other printing places I've been to.

Speaking of printers and if you notice the above photos, my book came back from the other printers. Unfortunately they made massive mistakes all over it and due to the company being in America, it's awkward to get re-print on time for hand in. I've made up for it by including the proof document and notes. I'm off to go do some work on my module journal now and get some well deserved sleep.

Wishful Thinking...

2010-11-30T04:35:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year, I would like more hours in the day, more days in the month and a couple extra months at university. It is scary how close to the end it is now. Aside from drinking copious amounts of peppermint tea while I write my dissertation and running around like a maniac with the design centre's only hd camera which I managed to blag, I have being Christmas shopping. There are very few people to buy for this year in my family as Adam is still in New Zealand and everyone else is growing up, so while picking up presents for those few people I spied a few things I might also like. As you do!

I swear by the dermalogica oil control skin care products, when I don't use that, I use Johnson's baby products to cleanse and moisturize! Touch wood, I've never had any major problems with my skin. In my dreams the proenza schouler large ps1 satchel will be mine however this will most certainly not be happening for a long time, I'm sure! I'm probably going to point my Mom in the direction of this as I need a key ring for my keys and a new usb, so it makes sense and isn't that badly priced for £35.

Some huge changes to my personal life, which I try avoid talking about online, have happened over the past few months and this blog and my design work have really suffered for it. I have lost two people I loved with all my heart and the future I imagined has been taken away from me. But that is life I guess and I have tried to throw myself back into my work and concentrate on getting really good university results. I only hope that it is worth it in the end.

Inside my bag & more...

2010-11-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love posts about what people keep in their bags, so I thought it was about time to do my own. My bag I've posted about before, it's a genuine mulberry roxanne. My Mom bought me the rosemary several years ago for xmas and I upgraded in size earlier this year or maybe even this time last year.

I honestly thought mulberry was the nicest leather I'd ever touched till I splashed out and bought my miu miu purse as a treat for doing well in my second year of uni. So in my bag I keep:

Miu miu purse (currently contains, cards, £10 note, copper, and a tesco receipt).
Moleskine weekly planner
Roland Barthes - The Landguage of Fashion (For my dissertation)
Gloves & knitted primark headband (Amazing for when I forget my hat)
Blackberry
Oyster card holder (For my spur of the moment london trips, also holds my business cards)
Dermalogica climate control lip balm
Uni swipe card (To get in/around design centre before/after hours)
Paracetamol (Dissertation.)
Pens, hair grips & scalpal

I do actually usually take a different bag to uni, if I'm taking my laptop but the day I took these photos, I'd been to my parents before hand. I also spent the afternoon printing several proof copies of my book which there are a few sneaky photos on twitter of!

Seeing Sight: An Interactive Installation

2010-11-11T03:40:00.000-08:00

My installation in the uni gallery went really well, I had so much amusing and also worthwhile feedback from people. The highlight was definitely bubble wrapping the floor! Setting it up was so much fun and I'm really thankful to everyone who helped me.

As the whole idea was based around not taking for granted our eye sight, it was really interesting getting to see the gallery at different times of the day. I have some photos which were shot at night with the lights off and it was a complete different experience to seeing the work during daylight. Now the hard work has began and I'm in the process of making a hardback book to hand in. I had thought about other mediums, whether a fold down poster would work better but in the end settled on a book as I'm including braille and peep holes! I'm not one to make life easy for myself.

I'm going to try get the videos up on my vimeo shortly but they need editing down as two are just over 6 minutes long. I'll get them done soon and photos of the book will be here as soon as it is printed - I can't wait to see what it looks like and I haven't even sent it to print yet.

Seeing Sight...

2010-10-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

First of, lets settle the important matter of the above pictured bag. I did say I would post a photo of the over-sized clutch I purchased from fashion weekend, so there it is. I had been saying to Eve on the train to London how I had wanted a decent sized 'going-out' bag and I got my wish. It's by a designer called Sara Berman and is one of the nicest leathers I've ever touched - even better than my mulberry handbag! I'm going to save my pennies now for one of her Charlotte-pom tote bags.

Aside from drooling over handbags, I have been ridiculously busy with my uni work as usual. The above photo is a little teaser of some work I have on display in the university gallery which if anyone is interested in and would like to see is on display until Thursday 28th October at the design centre at Sunderland Uni's city campus. The project is to do with taken for granted your eyesight and what blind people actually see. It has involved quite a lot of primary research and being such an interesting experience hearing first hand accounts.

I'll post photos from the actual installation in a few days times, as I'm planning on getting a few shots of it at night time in the dark with all the lights off. Sounds a little cliche but I like to include as much research in my module journals as possible, so cliche cannot be ruled out.

Let girls be girls...

2010-09-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

I am really conscious of the fact that around November/December time everyone gets a little bit panicked about their dissertations and starts sending round questionnaires on facebook. I desperately don't want to be one of these annoying people who does that, not necessarily because I don't want to panic but because I don't want to be that annoying friend.

However, having said that, I do intend to blog about my dissertation subject. I have already roped a number of contacts, friends and acquaintances into helping, be it for their professional or personal opinion but I thank you to all who help, in advance.

It's working title at the moment is 'The Sexualisation of young girls within the media.' It is a subject, which I originally wasn't too bothered about but having researched over the summer and read the magazines I used to when I was 12/13/14 years old - I actually fear for the day I have my own children!

Pregnant Barbie (above) is really just the start of it. Researching one day in the library with my friend Ross, I nearly choked on my tea as I read one of the magazines I had used to as a pre-teen, only to find an article entitled ‘Is it a crush or are you gay?’ The headlines on the front pages of these magazines are equally as worrying; ‘Sexy vs Brainy,’ ‘How to be irresistible to lads.’

I am not saying teen magazines are the only source to blame, I’m very aware there are a number of other factors involved in girls being sexualised too young but it is the subject I will be investigating for the next few months. So I would love to know everyone’s opinions (if I haven’t already contacted you), then get in touch or if anyone knows anyone who they think I should contact, I’d also love to hear from you.

London Fashion Week / Summer

2010-09-27T02:52:00.001-07:00

I haven't updated in such a long time, partly because I have been so busy and partly because I've been so tired from being so busy. I've spent my time since my last post sketching out ideas for year two graphics to catch up, researching for my dissertation which has involved reading a lot of books and attempting to contact people from industry. Not to mention my social life has been pretty hectic too, my brother has come home from New Zealand for a month and I've been to fashion weekend with my friend Eve.

Another large chunk of my time has been taken up with planning ideas for my final major project at uni. This I am really excited about, I've had lots of ideas and I won't say what just yet but the one I love, fits in well with my dissertation idea and seems to tick all boxes.

Fashion Weekend was so much fun, Eve and I had wine and champagne on the train, received loads of freebies and spent far too much money. I bought a beautiful clutch bag from Sara Berman which I saved over £200 on. The catwalk show, while focused towards A/W trends as opposed to fashion week S/S, it was still educational and allowed us to have a refresher of current trends to take back to uni. It was especially interesting to myself as my dissertation and final major are focusing on fashion and the industry surrounding it.

Meet Coco

2010-07-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged about Coco before, I haven't put a photo of her up anyway. She's my Mom's new puppy and I stayed at hers a couple of days while I've been poorly with tonsillitis this week. My mom named her partly after Coco Chanel and also because she is a chocolate/ginger colour.

She's super cute but absolutely hyper. It's almost like having a toddler because the only down time is when coco naps! So to top off Coco, we've also been trying to sell a litter of puppies my dad's farm dog (lives outside thank goodness) decided to have while I was house sitting. Meet no.4 below (4 out of 5).

So other than been poorly/puppy sitting/working, I took a trip to London to meet with Joel Dash who restored my faith that I was doing the right course. Despite absolutely bucketing it down in the North East, £133 later in London, it was around 28 degrees. I'll have to post pictures of my clever outfit which consisted of thick tights, river islands version of the saints boots and my favourite Kate Moss for Topshop dress which I completely changed upon getting to London and turned it into a sunny rather than rainy day outfit.

And on a final note a thankyou to the pr team for Gillette Venus razor blades who were in The Bridges in Sunderland last Sunday. Upon sending them a few free starbucks, they returned the favour with a massive bag of venus blades and razors. I already have the vibrating vibrance but I've stuck embrace blades on the end and love them. We shared them out among the girls at work and even after that I still have about thirty. I really hope they enjoyed the ginger snaps we gave them!

Sunderland Uni Degree Show 2010

2010-07-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

I said previously I would do a whole post dedicated to Sunderland Uni's degree show and I really hope if any students whose work was feature reads this doesn't take offense. I missed the actual opening night which was the friday however when I got back, my friend whose work was include, Graeme took me along to see.

In previous years the exhibition has being held in the design centre (where we study), there is a gallery space downstairs in this building however this year it has been moved to 'City Space.' 'City Space' is the central building for sporting activity and the room they were using is much much bigger than the gallery in the design centre.

Sunderland isn't a prestigious university, its art & design department is not famous however students here seem to 'get' jobs. It certainly doesn't dominate the D&AD books but students have gone on to work for Aardman, Apple, Inferno and many more famous companies and agencies. Which is why I found the degree show this year so disappointing.

The quality of work was amazing to see, however absolutely everything was muddled up, not to mention on the floor! Perhaps it is just me but I see putting artwork on the floor, the same as burning books. It just should not be done. For a design show, the amount of typo's was hilarious, I am not the best speller in the world but you think for something so important, someone would have checked. See if you can spot 'Ra chel!' I have lots photos I'm putting up on flickr but I won't be able to credit hardly anyone because there were no names next to work. The exhibition appeared to have been designed with a fluid, modern approach to the work (hence the long prints from the ceiling along the floor) but due to the fact illustration, graphics, 3d, jewelery & advertising were all muddled in together, it didn't work.

Yelana Guanyi Yu's work was probably my favourite and I have included her in the blog because I could credit her work as she was one of the only names visible. It was intricate, fragile and I really wish she had a website.

Having said all that, I enjoyed looking round all the work and well done to the guys who were shortlisted at New Designers. I just hope next year the layout of the show improves.

More New Blood

2010-07-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

As well as seeing Stevie Wonder, I was in London to check out New Blood. To be honest I'm really glad I went to it as I ummm'd and ahh'd and contemplated just spending the day in Hyde Park as it was so unbelievably hot. New Blood re-taught me several things, that putting 'hello' on your business cards is not going to impress or get attention, clipping work up with bull dog clips is still a popular trend, if you don't have a website, it's almost pointless being there and finally the best way to get attention at your stand was to be next to a industrial strength fan!

We weren't there for long, partly because both of us thought we were going to collapse from the heat - credit to the students who sat in with their work. Several things stood out at New Blood, Joe Puddle cheekily added an envelope for job offers next to his business cards. He's also got work in the book and I'm pretty sure his uni/stand had won an award for best new comers or work or something like that. Their advertising work really stood out and was presented really well.

I thought Stockport College who were completing briefs set by the visitors were not only really funny but it was a great way to keep themselves entertained during the long day shut indoors. And finally I was fascinated with the Thunder & Lightening project by a student at Staffordshire uni. I had taken down the names & details of work I was interested in but I lost my nootbook in the hotel. So I'm very sorry but if anyone knows who it was please let me know so I can credit them.

I met quite a few lovely people and had some really interesting conversations with students and professionals. All in all it was a very successful trip and I really hope my uni gets its act in gear next year so I can show my work.

Quick Stop in London

2010-06-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

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I was in London over the weekend, the main reason was because Matt and I had bought our Mom's tickets to see Stevie Wonder in Hyde Park. I took Matt as a suprise to see him last year, so it wasn't our first time seeing him but it was still fantastic. And the other reason I was down was for New Blood.

Mom and I went down really early on Friday morning, in order to spend the whole afternoon at Portobello Rd. market, which was just a five minute walk from where we stayed on Hyde Park.

The bracelet underneath the New Blood wristband was something I saw at portobello rd. & fell in love with. It was one of many and I automatically picked that one up, each bracelet had a little note attached and this one was 'for the creative, the one who thinks too much & works too hard.' We both decided it was fate and the only time I haven't had it on since was for work.

Other things I did was have cream tea at Spitalfields and a make over at Topshop Oxford Circus where I came out looking like I was a prostitute. I wet wiped it all straight off! Stevie Wonder was immense, if you're wondering what it was like, he played the exact same set at Glastonbury which you can find on the iplayer. (I was actually a little disapointed he didn't bother changing it even slightly.)

I have loads more photos, lots to say about New Blood and another post in mind about my uni's current degree show. Right now however I'm off to have a cup of tea and an early night, catch up on the sleep I missed at the weekend.

Screen Test

2010-06-20T03:42:00.000-07:00

This is the video that played in loop at my installation about Charlotte. I keep uploading different bits and pieces from it as I get time. If you want to see more keep checking my flickr as I keep uploading more and more. Despite finishing uni last week, I've never been so busy and with lots of different people leaving for good, there has being quite a few goodbyes to tend to.

Last night after work, I went for dinner with my friend Laura who leaves to go home to Manchester this week. It was a really interesting night as where we decided to eat had a Rocky Horror Show party starting at 7 and we never realized, that is of course until everyone started turning up dressed up. We just thought the bar maid was a bit eccentric. Laura also helped me with some ideas for my fmp for next year and I'm now really really excited by the prospect of doing it, I just hope my tutors think it's a good idea. More details on this later, as I now have to go back to starbucks and make some money. Boo.

Graduate Fashion Week 2010

2010-06-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

I am aware I'm really late in posting this but I was sorting through my favorites that I had saved to my mac from the GFW blog and wanted to post about them. I take a really keen interest in what the North East is producing, in particular Northumbria as I had applied and got in but chose to come to Sunderland instead.

Anyway going backwards and completely ignoring what I just said, I fell head over heels in love Hailey-Louise Budding's, printed satin dresses. Not from the North but Wiltshire College Salisbury, if I could have bought only one thing I'd probably have had one of those dresses. Next up is Holly Farrar, my favourite designer from the as previously mentioned Northumbria. I am by no means a fashion blogger but I do take an interest in what is happening in fashion design and to me this collection was the most wearable and reminded me so much of Proenza Schouler.

Finally the last (or first?) image is from Kingston University graduate, Nicole Bradshaw. In conversation with Matthew about GFW, he mentioned his friend Nicole was there and while I would never wear her sheer fabric dresses, I absolutely adore her furs and the work she completed for Pringle.

All photos, and names were taken from the artsthread.com blog & website.

Summer starts...

2010-06-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to deciding to put together another research book to go with the one I made to complete my 'Who is Charlotte McGill' installation, I have managed to not get any photos of the complete book. I have the above spreads which I presented on Wednesday to two of my tutors, and then I have the proof documents and a badly made up version of one which I will take photos of later. I won't get the actual books back until September now as this was my last hand in.

This is fairly exciting because I'm now in my last year but at the same time I feel really nervous. I have been studying design in one form or another at various agencies, colleges and uni's since I was seventeen! I often think I should be much better at it by now.

This summer I have a plan between work, I'm going to make my business cards and try get some campaigns done in preparation for next year. I also want to paint the livingroom in my apartment as at the moment, the whole place is completely white and while I love it, as it's nice and clean looking, it's also quite cold.

Right now I'm about to take a well earned break and make a asos & all saints wish list.

Who is Charlotte McGill?

2010-06-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

I have been working on an integrated creativity brief. This involved setting up an installation from scratch, in my work (starbucks) stockroom and then making a book. Hand in is Friday, however I'm presenting the idea this afternoon. I haven't blogged in a while, so the above is a little sample.

What creativity means to you?!

2010-05-20T05:28:00.000-07:00

I have been and still am having a nightmare of a time having broadband installed in our new apartment. We get free home broadband with our mobile phones from orange and it is normally amazing (when it's working) however since transferring it to our new line, I have spent over a month and a half trying to get it fixed. Therefore I haven't posted much, my other excuse is I have been extremely busy with uni/starbucks etc etc.

One thing I have been working on is a brief to do with defining what creativity means. I tackled it from a 'what creativity means to anyone' direction. I made a blackboard from scratch and abandoned it in random places, letting ordinary folk go mental on it. I had some pretty funny responses, from rude pictures to the 'not comic sans,' it was also a really interesting way to meet my new neighbours.

I have only one project left at uni before I go into my final year - I feel so excited to be finally getting somewhere but really nervous at the amount of work I'm going to have to do. If anyone fancies emailing me further responses to 'what creativity means to you' feel free. (just remove the spaces)

Random Update

2010-03-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

The Easter holidays have finally arrived. Matt and I are finally moving flats this week after some rather major problems left by the previous tennant in the new place (including her soiled knickers - lovely). Along with moving, I have my branding work to finish and a dissertation idea to write. In between somewhere I really want to pop to the baltic, mainly for the shop but also because I want to see Jenny Holzer's led installations.

I'm also up to a little cheeky project involving various different hats for my business cards. It may sound a little random but hopefully will become more clear later.

The best news I have had this week is Stevie Wonder is headlining Hard Rock Calling Festival in London for his 60th birthday. Matt and I are huge fans so we had to get tickets but we're also taking our Moms... which should be interesting. We saw him once before at Manchester MEN and he was amazing.

NYC.

2010-03-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

New York was absolutely amazing. I cannot put into words how much I enjoyed it. To be honest I didn't take that many decent photos because I was so busy taking everything in. A small group of us went to meet Deacon Webster at Walrus which was hilarious and my work for advertising seems to be heading in a similar direction to where Walrus' already is which was good. He looked through my book which I'd brought with me and I didn't get any bad feedback.

Next stop was JWT where I met Renetta Welty the creative recruiter there. She was lovely and they actually gave us a live brief for Rolex which is really interesting. Unfortunately Zoe and I had to leave early as we already had our appointment at Teen Vogue. Now Teen Vogue MADE the whole trip for me, we met Zan Goodman who checked out our work and then took us on a tour of the offices. I saw Amy Astley from a distance, touched both Anna Wintours and Amy's copy of 'the book' and also met Eva Chen teen vogue's beauty blogger/editor who let us loose in the beauty cupboard and told us to take what we wanted. See the second photo for evidence! Zan also gave us copies of the new magazine which provided lovely reading material for the plane journey home.

We did a lot of other stuff including the design seminar where I heard Paula Scher and Milton Glaser speak, had our photos on a billboard in times sq and had the most amazing meal in the stardust diner on broadway. Overall it was brilliant.

NYC

2010-03-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

As if I thought I couldn't get anymore busy. I agreed to go to New York with uni, I'm going to be meeting with some agencies Walrus & JWT. And I've set up a meeting at teen vogue! So on top of all the work to hand in for deadlines I've been getting currency, running errands, re-drawing work, making portfolios and attempting to make gifts to say thanks for book crits.

In that time I have managed to whip up a website layout for katytrouble.com. It's just a quick html image map thing for the moment because I needed something there and when I get back I will code something decent as it will be the Easter holidays soon. Now I need to sleep or I won't wake up in time for work.

New York!

2010-03-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd extend my post about my mulberry over to here since it went down so well. This is my new pride and joy. I had to sell my other mulberry handbag in order to pay for it but it was so worth it. It's really heavy especially when I cram it full of ipods, sketchbooks and pens but worth every penny. There was another post I saw online about how the particular blogger would much rather save up and buy key pieces which will last rather than a wardrobe full of primark. This is exactly the rules I live by, I very rarely buy clothes for myself and just have the odd splurge.

In less than two weeks time I am going to New York. It literally happened today, we found out at uni one of the students cannot go because of visa's so for an incredibly discounted price I'm off to New York. And then a week after I get back Matthew & I move into our new apartment. It's going to be a very busy few weeks as in between I have loads of deadlines at uni.

Currently I have been working on a rebranding the body shop, which is a d&ad brief but I'm not following it completely as I'm desperate to get really high marks for this module. On top of that I've been writing an essay on Pentagram, I would really like to visit them in New York and I think my tutor is trying to arrange something. Then every two weeks I've been handing in ads for my book which so far include feel good drinks, tomato ketchup, gillette lady shave and a government underage drinking campaign. Tonight I'm going to try and get some more essay done while watching glee catch up's before a long day at starbucks tomorrow. Back to the grind.

RIP, Alexander McQueen

2010-02-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

Not too sure what to say really, his legacy will almost surely live on but it is such a sad sad loss to the fashion world. He was such an inspiration. I had trouble deciding whether to write Lee or Alexander, the latter seemed more appropriate somehow.

Tired.

2010-01-27T12:28:00.000-08:00

Since November, I honestly don't think I have stopped. I got my marks for my Royal Mail campaign and was really pleased; the link takes you to one of the ads. Thinking about it, I now have a few really strong pieces I'm proud of and would be happy to take into agencies.

I'm currently working on a little something for The Feel Good Drinks Company brief on YCN. I'm not entirely following the brief but I am having lots of fun with plasticine, typography, making fruit and chopping up foam pieces.

The other day I purchased katytrouble.com, so in the very near future I hope to have managed to design something suitable for it which will incorporate this blog. Hopefully I'll actually get some time to sit down and get on with it... oh & maybe some sleep.

Hardback books & New Shoes

2009-12-11T04:46:00.000-08:00

I have been working like a maniac these last few weeks and it has sort of all paid off. I had three projects to hand in at the end of term, two were hardback books and the other an advertising campaign for the royal mail. As it takes quite a while to get books printed, I worked on them first and then once they were sent off to print had the rest of the time for my RM campaign.

The books turned up and I was amazed. The quality is incredible, I couldn't believe I had made them until I opened the second book. Disappointingly despite proofing the document, the printers had attached the imagewrap cover upside down and the wrong way round. Luckily they're sending me another out, although it won't get here in time for the deadline, my tutors are letting me off. To see more of the books go to my facebook group or flickr.

Only one week left till the end of term now and I am so looking forward to the break. As I was so organized and my books turned out well, my boyfriend decided to treat me to a pair of Christian Louboutin heels. I don't think I'll take them off when they arrive, I may even sleep in them.

Mess.

2009-11-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

Recently I don't seem to have stopped. The above is work for the graphics part of my course, it all looks a little bit messy and untidy at the moment however the basic idea is to convey my personality, experiences and life through six words. Therefore I'm making a lot of mess with paint and random bits of paper and other rubbish.

Last week I spent a few days with Matt looking after my parents farm while they were away, we fed the chickens and rabbits etc and I did more uni work. Then we went down to London because I really wanted to see Pop Life at the Tate. It wasn't as good as I was expecting it to be however I really enjoyed seeing the Tracey Emin work as I'd just used her as research for my previous graphics work at uni.

We got back, headed to a friends birthday party, (I'll eventually upload photos to flickr) Sunday I spent at my parents, then it was back to uni where I have this six words brief, a module journal and a whole campaign for Royal Mail still to do in the next three weeks before the Christmas holidays. Oh joy!

Uni Work

2009-10-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

I have being stupidly busy recently with lots of uni work and starbucks have me as their slave at weekends, so as usual I have had no time to update or when I have had time, I have been catching up on much needed sleep.

At the beginning of term we were given a choice of three briefs, I decided eventually on the memories brief & have made a book which I will post later. As part of my research though I looked into the other brief which was about 'space,' hence the ridiculous photo of myself wearing a hoola hoop.

A while ago I promised somewhere online (either here or lj) that I would upload some photos of my new flat. Originally I was meant to be living on my own, however Matt has moved in here too! We had looked at buying somewhere last year but changed our minds & then I decided to live on my own, signing this contract but things changed and he has ended up here too. It's nice having him around, though I'm not too keen on the extra washing.

We've already decided next year we won't stay in this flat; it's really nice however because it is a basement flat, it's quite cold & sometimes feels damp even when it isn't. For a little bit extra cash we could also afford somewhere much nicer.

The second photo is of my little design corner, Matt moved the couches round so it hides my mess behind the little sofa. The EAT letters are from Next and the pink scented roses were a present from my Mom who got them from Laura Ashley.

I'm back, again...

2009-09-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with the le love blog recently. I have being without the internet for quite some time recently due to having none in my new flat and one reason and another. It even came to a point where I deleted my facebook account; this break has done me good or at least I think it has. I have realized it is important to stay in touch with the people you love, no matter where they are, New Zealand, Finland, Liverpool. The friends I have made online are just as important to me as the one's I have offline. I still think about the people I have lost touch with and still wonder what they are up to.

I have lots of photos to share and will have to update later with them but for now, a new layout, to match my website and I shall soon be back with real updates and actual design work. (all photos are from le love btw)

A New Home...

2009-07-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in ages because I have being really poorly with glandular fever, a lot has happened over the past few weeks however. I've bought a new car! Although it hasn't arrived yet, I have to wait 8 weeks for my new little fiat 500 to be made. After having a mini, I never thought I would fall in love with a car again however the 500 solves all the problems I had with the mini such as bumping your head when going over bumps, minor electrical faults and not been able to see past the drivers side post.

The above is also my new apartment which I got the keys for last week, having glandular fever meant watching my Mom cleaning it and Matthew sorting out my ikea things and my brother sorted the little garden type bit at the front. It needs some more warm colours adding to the place though. All the walls are white, the sofa's included were blue and it all seems a bit cold right now, I'm hoping to get some nice thick curtains and I bought some fake scented roses today.

Design wise, I've been doing a list of products to advertise and working on a scrap book of mood boards. Other than that I haven't felt like moving much. If someone could buy me lots of ikea vouchers and this doormat from Bombay duck, my life would just feel that little bit more complete... or not. =)

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Photos by Lucy Alexandra Howson

2009-06-05T11:48:00.001-07:00

These are amazing. More here.

Coraline & the boy who didn't stop look & listen...

2009-05-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

I went to see Coraline last night at Boldon with Matthew and it was incredible. I had expected only to see the 2d version however they are capable of showing the 3d one and it was so worth the extra money. The detail all round is amazing but the first few opening shots where the witch is threading the needle was mind-blowing. I can understand why it may be quite scary from children, I jumped a couple of times but I loved it.

Even though I'd managed to finish my vanilla cheesecake in Frankie and Benny's in time for the adverts, there was a bit of a technical failure and it sounded like they were all underwater, so that was slightly disappointing. Strangely enough after blogging the other day about Smith & Foulkes, the only ad that really worked was 'the boy who didn't stop look and listen.' It was the first time I'd seen it at the cinema and not only did it really fit in with the movie, it looked better bigger too.

I'm still working hard on my Branston campaign for my adv & Flash modules. So I'm off to get another cup of tea and set to at creating my next few frames.

Pheasant Rodeo Advert by Clemmow Hornby Inge

2009-05-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

This just confused the life out of me. My brother shouted of me to come see "this crazy ad 'he'd' recorded on sky plus." Personally I think unless you've seen the 'brains' advert they released last year, this one is a bit lost on the audience.

Saying that I really like the strapline 'Stay on top of your game,' I just think the first advert executed it better than Rodeo Pheasant. Needless to say though, it's definitely going to get talked about.

Flash experimentations....

2009-05-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

We've had a couple of unmarked assignments in my Design for web class to get us used to using Flash; one of these being to create a scene and using actionscript create a button to change the scene. I was browsing some flash illustrations on google and saw a cute little house so I set my movie around that, it took me ages to re-draw it my own way but I have finally finished and it was so worth it.

I have even added in a little sound and when you knock on the door (click) it changes to night time. I'm thinking of adding in stars and more sound but it is unmarked and I have the afternoon free to work on some new campaigns for my book.

This seems to be all over the tv at the moment, everytime I turn it on, that bird is whistling. I have no idea what the ad is trying to say but it does make me feel very happy and I love the human hello clock

The cure to the common cold?

2009-05-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend has being replaced, his side of the bed is now covered in common cold accessories. As soon as I decide to be more productive and healthy I always catch whatever is going around. I haven't been to the gym since Thursday and I'm now surviving on Asda's max strength cold and flu capsules, vicks ultra chloraseptic spray, several packs of tissues and the best saved for last l'occitane shea butter body lotion. It is the one luxury I don't live without- it's only £17.25 which isn't a lot compared to what some people will pay for a good lotion. It makes my whole body feel super soft without that sticking to the duvet/greasey sensation.

I have spent the afternoon in bed catching up on my saved bloglines and feeling very sorry for myself. I really enjoyed reading this interview on computerlove with Smith & Foulkes; their work is really interesting and to me quite Burton-esque - it reminded me of my friend Adam Westerman's quirky animations and drawings.

I'm off to douse myself in more body butter and drown in throat spray however I will leave with a link to the most positive feel good advert of the moment. Enjoy the beatles t-mobile style.

My very first post..

2009-05-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

To add to my collection of connections on the internet, I thought I'd better sign up here too. My design alias, whatkatydoes was already taken, so I'm stuck with whatkatymakes. This makes me sound an awfully lot more handmade and much less advertising student but I can deal with that.

Having only five weeks left at uni with only one module to complete means I am being left with a lot more time on my hands. I want to concentrate on really learning how to use flash properly and then get back into a good practice at updating 'my book.'