This is the short, 500 word version, of my statement of intent that I submitted to the Arts & Humanities Research Council
Neil Owen
Arts & Humanities Research Council
The development of multimedia technology, such as websites, online media streaming, interactive CD/ DVD and downloadable video content is a rapidly changing area of graphic art and design. Over the last few years the number of people using technology such as broadband internet, video iPods, camera phones and video phones has increased. This presents new challenges for designers: what is the best way to showcase work? How can this technology be used to sell work and attract new clients? Being able to use this technology to create innovative, challenging work that balances aesthetics with technology is a valuable skill for designers. As a self employed designer, I am keen to research new ways that my work can reach an audience and potential clients. The ability to use this technology is becoming a crucial part of professional practice for artists and designers. This technology can be used to develop transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of different art and design disciplines. I have also worked with a number of artists and designers, who are unaware of the range of technology available and the potential it has to reach an audience. I will use the MA in Graphic Art and Design to research how new technology can be used to develop, promote, showcase and sell work. I will also explore the opportunities that this technology offers designers to reach a potential audience and how this technology can be used to generate interest in work.
What I intend to produce
I intend to produce a cross media- platform that will allow artists and designers to upload and showcase their work. The main focus will be a website, which I will design and develop over the course of the year. Alongside the website I will use a range of different media and technology to present the work that is uploaded. This could include online interactive technology, video streaming of work, the use of subscription services, interactive CD/DVD, delivery to mobile devices such as video iPods and phones, downloadable content and an area for users to comment and produce online blogs. I will also explore ways that this technology can be used to in the advertising and promotion of the online hub.
I will initially ask students from the Leeds Metropolitan University art and design departments to upload their work. This will give me a base of potential users. Over the course of the year I will develop the site to allow artist and designers based anywhere to upload work.
Work that will be uploaded will be unedited; artists and designers from any discipline will have the opportunity to show their work. I want to encourage cross promotion and exchange of ideas from different art and design disciplines.
The users of the site will be able to document, discuss and develop their work as well as presenting finished pieces. The website will be a continually, evolving space that will allow users to test, explore, share and showcase their ideas.
