Compilation Ideas and Development

From researching notable musical alumni, I found a few bands / musicians I could use in the project. These included John McGeoch (influential lead guitarist of Magazine, Siouxsie & the Banshees, PiL), Three Johns, Gruff Rhys (of Super Furry Animals), Linder Sterling / Ludus, John Mayall, Peter Saville (graphic designer, co-founder of Factory Records), and Mick Hucknall!

Peter Saville

John McGeoch

I am also considering producing a compilation of music which reminds me of certain areas of the Art School, eg. a track that reminds me of the Holden Gallery, a track that reminds me of the printing workshops. Acompanying this I would produce a short piece of writing explaining my choices. I could also ask for input from other current students

I could have a song based on the excitement around putting up an exhibition, frustration of trying to find a spare printing press,

could produce a booklet with a map of the art school with a key showing where each track is linked to and a short paragraph about the song and why it was chosen.

Sounds from the Manchester School of Art

From looking at notable alumni of the art school I came up with the idea to base my MMU Oriinals product on music; either popular / groundbreaking sounds from different eras during the Art Schools existence (1838 - present), or notable musical alumni of the School.

I researched notable musical alumni, amongst which is Linder Sterling, one of my favourite artists and also one of my favourite musicians due to her fronting of the post-punk band Ludus.

Linder Sterling

Product ideas so far

I have thought about linking this project with my existing practice of illustration and producing a line of illustrated products such as cards and tote bags. I would be particularly keen to pursue wearable items such as cloth bags. However, I want to push myself with this project and produce a range of products that I have not dealt with before. I would also like to take a step away from my usual style of illustration as a challenge to myself.

I have also been thinking about possibly doing something based around music, as Manchester is such a famously musical city, I am very passionate about music and I believe it would be a popular choice with the target market of the MMU Originals shop. I absolutely love making playlists and compilations so I feel like it would be interesting to utilise this skill within the context of a professional artist based environment. I run a clubnight in Manchester with three friends and I am in charge of making all of the playlists, booking bands and playing music on the night. However I have never really brought this love of music into my practice as an artist.

Recent illustration I did for the clubnight, Typical Girls

MMU Originals Products

For this project I will have to tailor my existing practice to a more specific market, matching that of the MMU Originals shop in order for it to be a viable idea.

Having looked at the MMU Originals online shop I can pick out an existing aesthetic that crosses the whole catalogue. I would describe this aesthetic as: modern, solid, bold but subtly muted colours. It also seems to have an emphasis on 3D design, including metalwork and jewellery design

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I can also see that there is no existing music related products so I feel that I can continue with my compilation idea.  To fit with the aesthetic of the shop I will ensure that the design of the cover, innersleevs and notes is bold and modern, possibly experimenting with collage or graphics instead of my usual scribbly style of illustration.

History of the Art School: Research Beginnings

The aim of Unit X College Four i to produce a range of products suitable for inclusion within the MMU Originals online shop, using the history of the Art School as a starting point for product design and development. This will involve undertaking both visual and written research into the Art School, its students and surroundings.

Students and tutors at Manchester School of Art in 1905. Including LS Lowry and Adolphe Valette

Manchester Art School tutors in 1890.

At this early stage in the project I am thinking of thinking of focussing on the past and present students of the Art School and also what attracted myself personally to the Art School and how I could translate this into my practice and final product outcomes.