CONTEXT OF PRACTICE 3 - INTERVIEW 1

As part of my primary research for the dissertation I wanted to conduct some in-depth participant interviews to establish how participants of Boom Festival were affected by the varying aspects of the event.
As my dissertation has a predominant focus on sustainability and the festival philosophies intrinsic to transformational events, the interview questions will be predominantly focused on discovering the whether the interviewees noticed and/or were affected by such festival elements.

Relevant information gathered from the interview will be used to support the opinions presented in the final chapter of the investigation.

INTERVIEWS

The first person I contacted regarding partaking in an interview is one of my old friends Joseph Peplow. He was one of the individuals I arranged to meet at Boom festival after he spent the weeks leading up to the event travelling through Europe in a lift share convoy from Amsterdam. 

For many reasons Joe is a perfect person to interview on the subject as, although like me it was his first time at a transformational event, he had an established knowledge of the counter-cultural movements taking place within the festival environment and the importance of the philosophies disseminated amongst participants. 

A few months after the event I was able to contact him through Facebook and ask whether he would be interested in helping me with my research. Contacting him was always hard as after the festival he went travelling through Portugal into Spain and down to Morocco. Therefore, when I wanted to speak to him I had to wait until the rare times he found wi-fi in the Morrocan countryside. However, despite such hardships, Joe was willing and able to help me out with my research, something I am greatly appreciative of. 

The messages below document the process of organising the interview. 

INTERVIEW RESPONSES 

The responses received from the interview are listed below;

1. How old are you, what is your gender and where are you from?

I am 21 years old, Male and am of the Earth. The line makers call the land of my birthplace the "United Kingdom".

2. While at Boom Festival, what things did you find inspiring or influential? (for example this could be art, performances, the environment or people)

The whole concept of the festival for me is massively inspiring. The harmonious blend of the influential and often undervalued cultures such as music, art, and spirituality, moulded in such a glorious and tranquil environment, founded on sustainable philosophies and altruistic ideologies, all unfolding in such a caring and loving manor, was a wonder to be immersed in! Very much different to some of the more commercial festivals I have been to. A joy to behold sustainability being promoted over profitability, conscience over consumption.

3. While at Boom Festival, did you attend any of the workshops and/or attend the Liminal Village lecture programme?

Aside from the holistic pleasures being offered at Boom my main indulgences were the diverse variety of lectures being delivered in the liminal village. They caught my attention due to the wide, and often contreversial, range of subjects being discussed. From the fundamental philosophies of both the festival organiser, and goer. To the influence of psychoactive substances on music culture, art and wider society. I massively enjoyed the interactive discussions that derived some phenomenal and heart-warming perspectives  from some of the most influential artists, performers and event organisers in modern transformational festival culture. It was great to see this form of interaction being represented at Boom, and even more so that it was far more organised than anything of the like that I have experienced at other events. 

4. How important do you think the educational/skill sharing aspect of the event is?

For me it was incredible to witness such a unique convergence of educational and liesurable activities. The commitment to education being integral to the festivals raison d'etre, is valiant and awe insiring. At all times there was something magical taking place in a context outside of what mainstream society might consider valuable. The opportunity to engage with activities and subjects such as meditation and psychedelic drugs, that are often brushed under the carpet by more conventional paradigms, is a highlight of Booms alternative attractions and of unimaginable benefit to both the participant and wider society. The promotion of vivacious discussion on topics unperscribed by the narratives of capitalist society is essential in a time when freedom of speech is being diminished within mainstream media, and alternative perspectives on how we can lead our lives are being met with increasing hostility by those who are attempting to clutch the straws of a dying paradigm that promotes mindless consumerism and the waste of resources for personal profit, over fair distribution and sustainable resource management, and is an invaluable weapon for exsposing and resolving the injustices and fallacies of the capitalist world.

5. What did you learn or gain from attending Boom Festival and will this influence you outside of the festival environment? (if you did learn something please explain)

For myself, the festival was more an opportunity to ground, consolidate and expand upon some of my own pre-existing ideologies and philosophies about life the universe... and everything, that in mainstream society are considered peculiar and sometimes ridiculed, but at places such as Boom are on the tip of everyone’s tongues and are openly and respectfully discussed. Helping me to reaffirm my own assurances, and interact with people of similar persuations. In a similar way to a heroic psychedelic experience, the experience of Boom is not one of unearthing some ancient universal secret, but more of unveiling, accepting, rejoicing and catalysing the fundamental understanding and appreciation of life and the universes nature of oneness, harmony, creation and sharing. The awareness of these truths exists already within our own conscious perception, and events like Boom, in the same way as psychedelics, are helping those who indulge to uncover, resonate with, embrace, embody and expand upon their perception of this existential fundamental, and its benefits to the evolution of consciousness and human society, whilst other external forces seek to have them ignore it.

6. What do you see in the future for events like Boom Festival? (growth points, festival evolution ect)

I see only big wonderful things, in bright and beautiful places, with inspirational and loveable people for anything offering even a remotely similar deliverance of the principles demonstrated at Boom. For me I envisage a transition from these events being on the edge of societal culture to a point where they are merged seamlessly, sustainably and unstoppably into the traditional way of life. Where festivals run year round, blending the holistic pleasures with the more undesirable aspects of sustainable living into a package marketed in a manner that makes the old paradigm of mindless consumerism seem unpalatable and redundant to even the most stubborn and catacombed mind. Transformational Festivals are Spartacus. 

CONTEXT OF PRACTICE 3 - PHYSICAL OUTCOME - VISUAL RESEARCH

After defining a final idea for the physical outcome I progressed towards the initial design decision stages of the project by collecting a body of visual research reviewing similar newspaper style publications. 


The reasons for collecting a body of visual research are listed below.

RESEARCH RELEVANCE -

• Inspiration.
• Review current newspaper design.
• Assess the varying forms of publications.
• Review stock choices.
• Review colour usage.

I have NOT read and agree to the terms of use - Cleber Rafael de Campos

Project Description - A typographical critique of things the author agrees to without reading.

Project Link - Link

ANALYSIS - 

• Two colours used - Simple and effective use of colour.
• Large text - Application of large coloured text grabs attention and immediately communicates information. 
• Aspects of paper not always legible due to overlaying aspects of typography. 

Companion No.2 - Chloe Galea

Project Description - Companion Magazine is a publication by Freunde von Freunden for 25Hours Hotels offering insight into the life and work of creatives living in the cities of Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Vienna and Zurich.

Project Link - Link

ANALYSIS - 

• Images printed full colour.
• Two main colours used for rest of publications design.
• Vibrant use of colour engages reader and keeps them interested in the publications content. 
• The effective use of typography and visual elements create an aesthetically engaging outcome. 
• Layouts guide readers eyes across the pages composition effectively.  

Paper Magazine No. 40 - Manos Daskalakis 

Project Description -  Paper magazine No.40, created as a supplement to Imerisia, the Athens based Financial Newspaper.

Project Link - Link

ANALYSIS - 

• Magazine size - Useful choice of form for the outcome that helps to make it portable.
• Effective balance of images and content - visuals help keep reader engaged. 
• The limited use of colour helps outcome be more sustainable although this is not a decision purposely made by producers of the magazine.   

Stockholm Banco - Simon Jung Krestesen & Oskar Pernefeldt

Project Description - Stockholm University did not have a school magazine for their economy students which lead to students taking the problem into their own hands. The result of their endeavors is Stockholm Banco, an economics newspaper created by students for students.  

Project Link - Link

ANALYSIS - 

• Use of colour is limited to the illustrations and images - reduced environmental impact of production and printing costs. 
• Publication size - Useful choice of form allows the outcome to be portable and eases reading while on the move.
• Strong use of grid based layouts applied throughout outcome to form a range of engaging page compositions.
• The off white paper stock used as part of the outcome stands out from the stocks used by publications previously looked at.
• Strong use of infographics to communicate statistical data - engages viewer with content heavy information.  

Iceberg - Socio Design

Project Description - Iceberg is a quarterly publication produced for KAE, which was named, designed and produced by Socio Design in London.

Project Link - Link

ANALYSIS - 

• Page compositions - Layouts create a harmonious balance between written content and imagery.
• Limited use of colour - The publication is printed in black and white, reducing its environmental impact and its cost of production.  
• Publication size - Useful choice of form allows the outcome to be portable and eases reading while on the move.

Nya Upplagan

Project Description - Music based newspaper produced and distributed in Sweden.

Project Link - Link

ANALYSIS - 

• Vibrant use of colour on the cover of the newspaper is engaging and invites readers to pick the publication up. 
• The print technique used to produce the publication allows for the overprinting of images and illustrations which creates some really engaging visual effects. 
• The use of negative space helps to balance the pages and ensures they don't appear too busy.  

APPLICABLE ASPECTS - 

After reviewing and analysing the design from a range of similar newspaper based publications I progressed with the project by reviewing my analysis of each one and selecting aspects that have a relevance and a possible application to my outcome. 

APPLICABLE ELEMENTS -

• Large text - Application of large coloured text grabs attention and immediately communicates information.
• Vibrancy - Vibrant use of colour engages reader and keeps them interested in the publications content. 
• Layouts guide readers eyes across the pages composition effectively.  
• Limit use of colour - Use of colour is limited to the illustrations and images - reduced environmental impact of production and printing costs. 
• Publication size - Useful choice of form allows the outcome to be portable and eases reading while on the move.
• Infographics - use of infographics to communicate statistical data - engages viewer with content heavy information.
• Print technique - The print technique used to produce the publication allows for the overprinting of images and illustrations which creates some really engaging visual effects.

CONTEXT OF PRACTICE 3 - VISUAL RESEARCH - ADVENTICE MAGAZINE

My girlfriend returned from her trip to France with a selection of publications she purchased from 'Off Print Paris', an arts-publishing fair featuring vendors selling a range of publications from a variety of creative disciplines. 

While looking through the various magazines and zines she purchased, the design of one of the publications; 'Adventice Issue 02', really caught my eye as a potential source of inspiration for my physical outcome. 

ADVENTICE ISSUE 02

The images featured below display the aspects of the publication I found inspirational;

• Simple page compositions featuring typography and a simple background help focus the viewers attention on important segments of information. 
• Such compositions would work well for displaying important quotes form my dissertation. 

• Illustrations simply consist of black and a spot colour - Applying a limited use of colour helps to reduce the outcome environmental impact. 

• The varying sizes of typography applied on the above spread helps to break up bodies of text and helps to keep the reader engaged when reading.

• Juxtaposing segments of text and whole page images helps to create balance and does not overwhelm the reader with massive amounts of body copy.  

• Large aspects of type are used to create interesting typographic page compositions. 

APPLICABLE ELEMENTS

After reviewing the publications design I reviewed my analysis to identify design aspects that can be utilised when creating the physical aspect of the module. 

• Simple page compositions featuring typography and a simple background help focus the viewers attention on important segments of information - would work well for displaying important quotes form my dissertation.
• The varying sizes of typography applied on the above spread helps to break up bodies of text and helps to keep the reader engaged when reading.
• Juxtaposing segments of text and whole page images helps to create balance and does not overwhelm the reader with massive amounts of body copy.  

CONTEXT OF PRACTICE 3 - PHYSICAL OUTCOME - INITIAL IDEAS

Before my third feedback session with Richard I decided to develop a final idea for the physical aspect of the context of practice module. 

One of the most essential aspects of the physical piece is that it forms synergy with the written element of the module and actively supports and communicates the ideas that are presented to the reader. 

At the point of developing ideas for the physical element of the module my essay was over half completed and was planned section by section to the end of the final chapter. Having over six thousand words of written copy and the supporting detailed plan allowed me to create informed concepts that met with the requirements listed above.     

DISSERTATION TOPICS & FOCUSES 

Using the essay and plan I formed a list of the main topics and focuses featured in my dissertation;

• Capitalism & Climate change.
• Event Sustainability.
• Sustainable technologies - application to larger communities.
• Free Cultural Spaces.
• Counter-cultural Networks.
• Facilitating global movements. 

INITIAL IDEAS

The spider diagram below documents my initial ideas for the physical outcome.    

INITIAL IDEAS -

• Sustainable festival branding - Complete branding for a transformational festival using strictly sustainable production techniques. 
• Dharma Dragon (newspaper) - Boom festival newspaper including facts and figures about the festival movement and aspects of the dissertation. 
• Sustainability Branding Booklet - Booklet that would be sent to festivals such as Boom festival detailing how they could produce their print based branding more sustainably.
• Transformational Festival Participant Booklet - Small booklet given to attendants informing them of the counter-cultural aspects of the movement and helps to facilitate the networks discussed in the final chapter of the study.
• Network Website - Forum style website which Free Cultural Spaces (such as Transformational Festivals and Ecovillages) can sign up to and disseminate relevant information. Website would also help to facilitate the networks discussed in the final chapter. 

DEVELOPING IDEAS 

Once I had created a range of usable concepts I progressed with the project by assessing each idea to help me identify the most relevant concept. The process of refinement was started by first outlining most important focuses of my dissertation, a decision which would subsequently allow me to ascertain which of the ideas have the most relevance and application as the physical synthesis aspect of the module. 

MAIN DISSERTATION FOCUSES - 

• Capitalism vs environment.
• Sustainable communities.
• Forming networks.

After listing the main aspects of my dissertation it became clear that the ideas with most relevance to the written aspect of the module would disseminate information about the transformational festival movement and current counter-cultural communities, subsequently helping to actively strengthen the networks that are currently being formed amongst 'Free Cultural Space' communities. 

Of all of the initial ideas listed above, the one concept that ticked all of the boxes while simultaneously appealing to my interests as a print focused graphic designer is the festival newspaper. 

CHOSEN CONCEPT 

• Festival Newspaper.

CONTEXT OF PRACTICE 3 - FREE CULTURAL SPACES - JOURNAL

The images below document a journal that was purchased from Alan Dearling during his talk at Boom.

During my time at the festival, I was lucky enough to attend a day of lectures relevant to the focuses of my dissertation, all of which were hosted at the Liminal Village, Booms cultural space where lectures and talks run throughout the duration of the event. 

FUTUROLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM

The 4th Futurological Symposium on Free Cultural Spaces was held at Boom Festival on one of the final days of the event, offering a selection of lectures and discussions from people involved with various counter cultural projects from around the world. The overarching aim of the symposium was to discuss the current development of an independently focused, internationally linked culture among free cultural spaces.

One of the lectures I attended during the symposium was presented by Alan Dearling an author and journalist from the UK. During Alan's talk he discussed the current developments and future possibilities associated with developing a network among FCS's, specifically focusing on how we can connect older and younger generations to become more cohesive.

At the end of his talk, Alan offered a journal that summarised the three previous symposiums and specifically documented and transcribed the 3rd Futurological Symposium held at the Ruigoord commune in July 2013. 

I decided to purchase the journal to help me with my dissertation research as it is relevant to various aspects of my study.

DOCUMENT RELEVANCE;

• Summarises the three previous symposiums - gives context to topics discussed at boom and has relevance to the final chapter of my investigation. 
• Transcribes various presentations from the previous futurological symposium - information presented has relevance to the final chapter of my study.
• Includes emerging texts reviewing and concluding the topics discussed at the symposia.
• Includes information on the relevance of Transformational Festivals to the developing networks - specifically relevant to my investigation. 

SCANNED JOURNAL PAGES

Images below document the journal that was purchased during Alan's talk including my assessment (highlighted areas) of information relevant to my study.