Meeting Danielle Huthart - Whitespace - Hong Kong

WHITESPACE 

During my stay at Hong Kong, I spent some time contacting a few design agencies to potentially meet up and gather some research on my dissertation topic on branding. One of the ones who got back to me was Whitespace, a relatively small design agency who worked on both commercial and more independent clients in Hong Kong. Their portfolio demonstrated a strong collection of branding, print, web and self initiated work, basically the type of design studio that really appealed to me so I was thrilled when she offered to spent some of her time to meet and chat to me.

Aswell as receiving some positive and constructive feedback on my work, we discussed about current design industry really, mainly in Asia and comparing it with other cities such as New York and what's happening in Europe. I do have an interest in working or atleast gaining more experience in the design field in Hong Kong so briefly talked about the potential of work as a graphic designer in the city. It was interesting and insightful to hear Danielle's journey, who was educated and worked in New York for a decade before moving to Hong Kong to setup Whitespace. Finally, I got a tour of their minimalistic design studio (Think Whitespace!), showed me their collection of limited edition prints including an A1 screenprint of Feltron and some of there current projects.

Looking back, the visit experience was great, it was really nice to meet another designer who has worked elsewhere and settled in Hong Kong. I will definitely be keeping in touch with Danielle, as she has also offered to help with my dissertation research by answering a few questions around my topic. Will also be keeping an eye on their website with some upcoming projects and events!

4 week at IdN - Hong Kong

IdN [ International Designers Network ] is a Hong Kong based bi monthly design magazine that distributes internationally. Content wise it focuses on a specific field of design and visual communication for each issue ranging from typography to retail design. I applied to IdN with the intention to experience work in Hong Kong and also because of the publication itself, one that I have been reading/collecting for quite a few years now. Towards the mid point of the 2nd year, I have got really into publications and editorial design, I did a month at HK Magazine last year, but wanted to do something within the design field this year so IdN Magazine was considered.

I worked here for 4 weeks during my 5 weeks stay in Hong Kong over the summer, during this stay my main roles were overseeing what was going on, helping with researching, getting in contact with featured designers, networking and designing odd bits including stuff for their website and promotional material.

The time spent there was pretty insightful; getting to see how such a content heavy publication starts off with topic ideas for the next issue, researching, collecting, organising, down to finally being put together into a publication and finalised with special finishes and stock considerations. From working at IdN, I learnt quite alot on the production side of magazine, aswell as the design process and being able to work together with other colleagues who would be dealing with other side of things. From this experience, I'll definitely bring forwards what I've learn into my 3rd year, particularly with researching and getting in contact with people. 

Summer UPDATE - Visiting Brooklyn Brothers//

So far the summer has been rather busy in terms of design related things to travelling and enjoying my last summer! It's been a long time since my last post so let's down to business!


Following on from one of my previous posts about Brooklyn Brothers, I managed to arrange a date to meet up with them for a brief chat and to get some portfolio feedback.On the 11th June, I went down to London to meet Ali the creative director to discuss my portfolio, my submission to their competition and a potential placement opportunity over the summer. After running around Picadilly Circus for 30 minutes trying to find their studio, I eventually got there on time and was greeted by a rather impressive looking studio filled with a dozen designers working intensely on their macs.

During my hour stop there, she gave me a brief description of Brooklyn Brothers and what they do. I presented my portfolio to Ali and basically discussing each project quite thoroughly, describing each brief title, the problems and my design solution for each one. I think the presentation skills we practiced from college has finally paid off and I also realised how well I had remembered each project! She had her input to each project I presented, discussing my thought process, stating which ones she liked/didn't like as much and why etc which was what I was after. She also mentioned about the presentation quality itself and to be more brutal with my selection of work I take to clients/ potential work. This was referring to a particular piece which wasn't photographed very well at all, I was aware of this but didn't have the opportunity to photograph is again properly as it was an installation piece, but still wanted to include it as it demonstrated a different working method. She suggested that I should consider leaving it out eventhough it's an interesting piece, but for her that piece stood out as it was presented very weak compared to the others, which is something I'm need to think about.

She also talked through and offered me a months internship but unfortunately I had to decline the offer in the end due to conflicts with previously arranged dates. Since meeting her, I have kept in contact with the people at Brooklyn Brothers, with the potential to arrange for an internship at a later date.