UoC GRAPHIC DESIGN®
​(aka Flock)
CHEWIN’ THE CUD//

It's enhancement week (you can stop the applause now) and the empty studio tells us that it might be best to reach you all digitally, so please enjoy this newsletter with a range of assets and activities to keep your creative juices (sorry, couldn't think of a better word) flowing throughout Easter term.

//TRANSMISSION START//

For your viewing pleasure is a great documentary on Jasmin Paris—a Scottish ultra-marathon runner who was the first woman to complete the insane Barkley Marathon's in 2024. When we talk about our creative practice, we describe the process as difficult, tiring and mentally draining but I doubt we'll ever tackle anything in our careers as physically and mentally challenging as what Jasmin achieved through YEARS of hard work.

Our role as creative professionals has never been easy but it is also not nearly as hard as we tell ourselves. So next time it feels to difficult to edit a website at 8pm on a Monday evening, think of Jasmin Paris. The mother of two, vet and ultra-marathon runner.

​*LOOKING AT YOU VINCENT*
Welcome to the University of Cumbria Graphic Design newsletter. Your weekly dose of all things creative.
​
​Please get in touch if you'd like to contribute.

Thanks,
UoC Graphic Design®
(aka Flock)

FLOCK CREATIVE OLYMPICS//

Now we don't expect you all to work solidly throughout your Easter break but it would be just as silly to cease all for the entirety of your break—so if you fancy a creative output as a break from your design work, your part-time job or even the endless supply of chocolate eggs your mother insisted on supplying; why not take up the challenge at these creative games?

Keep track of your scores for each of these games – a screenshot will do – and report to Vincent for a test post-Easter for prizes.

KERN TYPE

Think you know how to kern text correctly? Put your ego on the line and have a go, to see whether you know how to balance a "AV" kerning pair.

Once you get it, you'll fly with these but it might feel tricky to start with. Great kerning practice, mind you.

THE BÉZIER GAME

Perhaps the pen tool isn't as vital as it used to be, but it's still a really useful tool to know how to use—especially in the era of the vector where all shapes are controlled by nodes or as they are also known, béziers.

These skills are key for anyone interested in logo or typeface development.

SHAPE TYPE

Probably the hardest of the games presented here, test yourself on whether you can accurately amend the nodes on these letters to make the correct balance and shape.

I SHOT THE SERIF

Fancy yourself as a bit of a sharpshooter?

This one shouldn't challenge many of you, but you'll be surprised how easy it is to make a mistake when the thrill of blasting letters gets into your veins.

SOMETHING TO READ//

To become a great designer, you need to be interested in everything—not just design. Here's some interesting articles, bookmarks and pieces we've saved for you to look over this break, keeping you in the creative loop.
Chopstick Sleeves as Emissaries of Japanese Typography and Culture
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Paper chopstick sleeves emerged at the turn of the 20th century when disposable chopsticks and packaged meals gained popularity with the advent of train travel. In addition to ensuring cleanliness, printed paper chopstick sleeves became vernacular advertisements for shops and restaurants. 
Blending Sound and Typography: The Art of Jonathan Mak
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Jonathan Mak is a graphic designer hailing from the vibrant city of Hong Kong, where his creative projects stretch across branding, publication design, and multimedia art. His ability to seamlessly blend mediums and push the boundaries of traditional design makes him one of the most intriguing voices in contemporary visual culture
Notes on “Taste”

"Taste is a word I’ve been hearing a lot more lately, and I think it’s because we’ve broadened its application from the world of the aesthetic to the world of the practical. Taste has historically been reserved for conversation about things like fashion and art. Now, we look for it in our social media feeds, the technology we use, the company we keep, and the people we hire."
POV: The physical design studio is waning. Could a residency model replace it?

Just recently, the major independent design studio Two Times Elliott closed the doors of its permanent studio space. Founder James Horwitz reflects on what’s been lost – but, more importantly, what could be gained from a more fluid working model.

AN EARLY SPRING PLAYLIST//

As the days are getting longer, lambs appear in the fields and the sun beams from the once grey sky—enjoy a playlist curated by Vincent for a relaxing morning with a good coffee in the early spring sunshine.

"The first half of this playlist is perfect for the mood you feel as the earth comes back to life in spring, flowing into a slightly more jazzy experience towards to end, to challenge your listening habits just a tad. It's only an hour and a half, I've had longer baths than that so bare with me." Walden, V (c.2025)

A VIDEO ESSAY FOR YOU NON-READERS//

An analysis of popular culture through memes, creativity and social connection. When you look at our world, no single idea can possibly be 'truly' original.
Using the creation of hip-hop as it's foundation for the essay, what more could you want?

p.s. it's over an hour long, so strap in.