Going into the Digital Heart of Africa

Some of you may have attended the Workshop that Friends of Design held in March this year, in which Adobe’s® new Digital Publishing Suite was presented as the latest in cutting edge technology. Using Adobe® Indesign together with Adobe’s® Digital Publishing Suite to publish electronic media to mobile devices such as the iPad and Blackberry Playbook, this technology is gathering momentum and looks set to be the future of Digital Publishing on an international scale.

Above: Eva and the Tell Magazine Team

The workshop itself was an absolute success, and Friends of Design was taken aback by the enthusiastic response to the tools and medium by the advertising and publishing professionals attending. Judging by the the requests for training that have come pouring in, this software is definitely looking to become the next big thing, with a training request from Nigeria putting the cherry on top. FoD was of course simply thrilled at the opportunity to deliver training for this groundbreaking new software to Nigerian weekly magazine, Tell Magazine.

Tell Magazine, or IDS Africa, is a publication that has its feet firmly entrenched in the buzzing chaotic
ex-capital, Lagos. As media professionals, they immediately seized the opportunity to get ahead of their competitors by revolutionising the delivery of their magazine’s content nationally and are hungry for new technology, exploring rich media and immersive content styles for tablets and other devices. Nigeria is a very much a forward thinking country, with Lagos being the second most populous city in Africa after Cairo, and estimated to be the second fastest growing city in Africa. This sprawling city is also Nigeria’s most wealthy and economically stable city with fantastically high standards of living.

Above: Conference Room in Lagos

Eva Csernyanszky, FOD’s School Director and trainer extraordinaire, excitedly boarded a plane to Lagos to deliver the training at the end of May. Upon arrival at the IDS Africa offices, Eva was warmly welcomed by a mixed team of skilled journalists, production specialists, layout designers and web programmers, who were all very eager to get started on the comprehensive 6 day comprehensive Digital Publishing course. IDS Africa ensured that the knowledge was spread across a good mix of the team. They were all eager for new technology, keen learners and a very warm group all around. Eva Csernyanszky delivered a comprehensive training schedule around Adobe’s interactive tools for PDF, best practices for tablet design, samples of and success stories of global pioneers in the field, a thorough introduction to Adobe Digital Publishing Suite, and bundling folio files for online distribution. The course also included essential skills around publishing eBooks in ePub and Mobi format for screen readers. Eva touched on XHTML and CSS basics for additional content management for readers, as integral element in ensuring that content displayed correctly on all reader devices. The content was extremely well-received all round with all course delegates leaving each day with great expectations in implementing their new knowledge and skills.

“The Adobe DPS training with Eva of Friends of Design was very informative. It was in-depth, intensive and practical, with up to date software. It was an excellent experience!” – Oladimeji Tolulope, Creative Designer, IDS Africa

“The DPS training was Insightful, interesting and educative. It has given me a whole new outlook to working with design tools and spurs me to design more. Great work Friends of Design!” – Ekaete-Cathey Ebong – IDS Africa

Above: Eva enjoying the finer things in life…

Friends of Design left Nigeria with a wonderful feeling of satisfaction and and strong sense that they had made a valuable contribution to the future of Tell Magazine. FoD would greatly encourage any publishing company to look into training on this fantastic new technology, and not be left behind when it comes to digital publishing for devices.

So, for quotes and training, please get in contact with us or call us on 021 402 0303.

Adobe Digital Publishing Suite

Digital Publishing Suite for Mobile Devices Evening Courses 2011

Enrol Online

Download the Enrollment Form.

Download the Course Description.

Evening Digital Publishing for Mobile Devices & Tablets Course

Inspiring, instructor-lead, detailed.
Course Name: Evening Digital Publishing for Mobile Devices & Tablets Course
Course Code: NDD-DPSE
Level 2: Intermediate to Advanced
Prerequisite/s: Adobe InDesign Essential Skills (INDD-100E), or relevant work experience.
Course Classification: Evening, part time
Duration: 8 days x 6 hours
Times: Thurs – Fri 9:00am to 4:00pm
Dates : 19 and 20 January 2012 – TBC
02 and 03 February 2012
09 and 10 February 2012
16 and 17 February 2012
Please contact us for details : info@friendsofdesign.net

Above: Mercedes Benz uses digital publishing for advertising

Intro

Are you a Traditional Print or Graphic Designer looking to migrate to screen design for tablets an mobile devices? Or are you in the Book or Magazine Publishing or the Advertising industry? Learn how to export your InDesign Layouts to devices such as the iPad or Blackberry Playbook, creating stunning and readable content that reaches out to your target market in an richer and more interactive experience via richly designed and interactive layouts or structured ePub and .Mobi formats.

Description

From creating the layout design itself, to publishing it onto the mobile device, Friends of Design will guide you through each step, and ensuring you deliver your best material to your target market.

Learn how to prepare digital assets for rich media content that wows your readers, without any application development. With automated extras such as the InDesign CS5.5′s Overlay Creator and Folio Bundler and the Desktop Content Viewer,  you will be outputting and testing rich media for devices in no time at all. Explore simple workflows from .folio file creation to testing and bundling to final distribution of your files as ebooks, newspapers or digital magazine. Understand he positioning and application of ePub and .Mobi formats and publishing for readers such as Sony Reader and Amazon Kindle.

Enjoy many professional examples of digital content already in distribution, get to grips with best practices for editorial and advertising layouts for each device, learn about current design and technical standards, choose from online distribution marketplaces and export your layouts to tablets and mobile devices such as the Apple iPad and Blackberry Playbook with ease and efficiency. Adobe’s new Digital Publishing tools will allow you to create a new genre of content for yourselves and your clients, whilst keeping the design and layout integrity of your original print publications.

Above: Project Magazine Ipad app cover

What our students say about us

“The Adobe DPS training with Eva of Friends of Design was very informative. It was in-depth, intensive and practical, with up to date software. It was an excellent experience!” – Oladimeji Tolulope, Creative Designer, IDS Africa (Nigeria)

“The DPS training was Insightful, interesting and educative. It has given me a whole new outlook to working with design tools and spurs me to design more. Great work Friends of Design!” – Ekaete-Cathey Ebong – IDS Africa (Nigeria)

“Awesome! Can’t wait to put this all into practice. Very good to be on the cutting edge of a fledgling industry!” – David Hecker – Freelance Designer (July 2011 Digital Publishing Suite Course)

“It was a great experience!” – Danie Jansen van Vuuren – Owner, Flame Designs  (July 2011 Digital Publishing Suite Course)

Extra Info

Have you checked the general info on this type of course and when it is scheduled?

**All courses are intended for experienced layout artists who have worked with Adobe InDesign CS5**

Posters

Print and Desktop Publishing Students 2011

Print and Desktop Publishing Students 2010

Typography

Alphabets and Fonts Posters

Appreciation for letter forms and composition, with hand-drawn precision.

Related courses: 2 Year Digital Design Full time

DL Flyers

Created in Adobe Photoshop.

Related courses: 2 Year Digital Design Full time | Adobe Photoshop Essential Skills | Adobe Illustrator Essential Skills | Adobe InDesign Essential Skills

Hand Rendered

Exploring letter forms as imagery

A sample of tactile projects created by full time students, allowing the exploration of letter forms, line work and basic drawing.

Related courses: 2 Year Digital Design Full time | 1 year Web Design & Interactive Media | Adobe Photoshop Essential Skills | Adobe Illustrator Essential Skills | Adobe InDesign Essential Skills

One Small Change – A Blatant Expression of Passion

I first came across Deborah Rossouw‘s work (AKA One Small Change) quite by accident, when I stumbled upon a picture of myself at a summer festival, taken by Deborah. The picture itself was stunning, but it was the album that convinced me to look at the rest of her work. While looking at the pictures, I was repeatedly blown away by the imagery, the colours, the textures and the feel. Her work drew me, invited me and took me into the moment that it was shot in.

Very excited now, I had to tell someone, so went straight to my Director, Eva Csernyanszky, knowing her appreciation for powerful, passionate creativity. She looked at me calmly, now used to my uncontainable enthusiasm, and said that yes, she knows, she had taught Deborah. Needless to say, I stopped midsentence. I mean, Eva is the coolest boss as far as I am concerned, no doubt, but to have taught Deborah Rossouw??? So, without further ado, I immediately contacted Deborah and asked her to do an article with us.

Above: One Small Change by Deborah Rossouw

So, a bit of background before I get too carried away: Deborah started out studying at Red & Yellow School of Logic and Magic where she was tutored by Eva Csernyanszky, and where she excelled and eventually went on to work in advertising for 9 years. One Small Change was born of a need to merge and blend her advertising experience with her innate eye for colour and feel for photography.

Since then, Deborah has risen high and fast, having worked on accounts like World Wildlife Fund for Nature, National Sea Rescue, Old Mutual, Nedgroup, Volkswagen, BP, Mweb, Castle, Carling Black Label, Childline and Lifeline, Sissyboy, American Swiss, Dentyne, 24.com, Sissy boy, Cadbury’s. M&CSaatchi Abel, Sweet Spot Content, Brandlab, Nedgroup, Lays Poland and Reverse clothing Label. Her accolades and awards include the 1997 Zonnebloem Fine Art Award, and she can also lay claim to having been a Loeries finalist many times over for both Art Direction and Design.

Above: One Small Change by Deborah Rossouw

However, it is difficult to explain exactly what her work means, as it speaks to each individual on a different level. For me, her work has always conveyed a sense of absolute freedom and joy in every line and angle. Deborah herself explains it best though, so read on to learn more about this incredible woman and her work…

Who is Deborah Rossouw and what is One Small Change all about?

She is me and I am it and it is about creativity expressed with absolute freedom. Freedom to change what is staring back at me, be it on a canvas or a screen, moving or still, with sound or without. It is about wanting to change things with reckless abandon. I believe that is when art speaks universally.

Where did your love for Photography start – did you always know you wanted to do this?

My artistic love has always been in more than one place. As an art director/designer I had not yet realized my love for photography; that only came when I started treating images. To express myself with this new found passion, I had to start taking photos in order to have inspiring content to work with.

In my previous field just before an ad would run, I would find myself wrapped up in a myriad of conversations in my mind, “Is it complete? What are the colours saying? Is there too much yellow in that black? Cyan in the whites?” Thinking like this has became a lifelong study and it goes as far back as learning to paint, or taking on other art forms where one picks up the skill of having an eye for microcosmic detail. For example, to paint your choice of subject matter, you will start to see the range of colours it has and the shapes the play between lights and darks take on. The highlights might have yellow in them depending on the time of day; the shadows might seep a slight purple from the reflection of your curtains. There is such a vast mix in the world that is surrounds us, and that is difficult to ignore as a creative. To answer your question, no I didn’t know I wanted to do this. It came about more as a by-product of following my passion for creativity.

Above: One Small Change by Deborah Rossouw

How about your background, where did you start out?

I started out as the top art student in my high school. I majored in ceramics and earned a bursary at The Red & Yellow School of Logic & Magic (and advertising). In my first year I won a prestigious Fine Art Award for a wine label design which got my first fifteen minute of fame being featured on radio, a news channel and the local newspaper. At the age of 18, this had quite an impact on me, nonetheless I continued with the three year course studying multimedia and began my digital transition as an artist. I used to sneak into the mac room at night and over weekends, I remember one cold Saturday night scanning a little rubber duck and making sure that duck tasted every single Photoshop filter there was.

What do you love about your work, what inspires you?

I love seeing a good final product that not only pleases myself but other people too. Seeing that they can feel the feelings I felt when I was splashing my passion all over it. That is my inspiration.

Describe the best project you have done up to date?

I would say it was working with Miles Goodall (Sweet Spot Content) and Pixelmondo (LA) on the latest Alexander Forbes advertisement (by Bester Burke). I contributed by dictating how the grading and special effects would look on television. I worked closely with the Director, not just as an art director or photographer. But something completely new.
I also really enjoyed the M&C Saatchi Agency shoot; as grain, atmosphere and feeling were a large part of the brief. I truly believe that if you can capture the essence of your subject no matter the environment, then you will feel accomplishment.

Above: One Small Change by Deborah Rossouw

I hear you studied with Eva, our director at FoD, how was that?

Amazing, especially on a personal inspirational level. She was and is one of the most inspiring and trusting people I have ever met. She has a way of making the impossible possible, one step at a time; and knows how to boost an artist’s self esteem and creative trust. She inspires you from a place of passion and integrity. She doesn’t just inspire you with “how to’s”, but with sincere and honest inner trust and enthusiasm, so she makes it all seem as natural as breathing.

Any tips for aspiring creatives?

Leave no space for doubt or hesitation, consciously wield your creative edge with blatant passion.

Where can we find you, and your work?

Blog
Facebook
Online Gallery

Live Design. Transform Life.

There is so much that is special about Cape Town. From its picturesque, pristine nature, to its madly fun nightlife, Cape Town really has so much to offer in terms of diversity. And our creatives are no different – diverse, offbeat, original and brave. This, and many other reasons, is why Cape Town has bid for World Design Capital 2014. And in just a week, Cape Town will find out whether it will be one of the 3 shortlisted cities. It would be fair to say that the excitement is building, and anticipation is at an all time high, especially as to who the other 2 cities will be.

Above: WDC 2014 – Official Bid Concept

The World Design Capital award is given twice a year and gives global recognition and prominence to those cities who have shown that they use design for their social, economic and cultural development. Cape Town has done this like no other city, from our graffiti artists, to the students and the entrepreneurial spirits that have come up with ingenious and originally designed pieces in order to further our society and give credit to the diverse group of people who live in the Mother City.

Above: WDC 2014 – Official Bid Concept

In addition, the bid will also be addressing the legacies of the city’s apartheid past, and aiming at restoring the huge imbalances that exist society, as well as building community cohesion and infrastructural enhancement. A noble aim indeed, and much needed as many of us would agree.

So, Cape Town, sit up and take notice! Show your support on Facebook and find out more info on the official website.

Design Bootcamp – The Final Stand Off

Well, it’s been quite a ride since the start of our “Design Bootcamp” competition! Beginning with just an idea, here we are 6 months later with great experiences behind us and a fantastic campaign that is looking to become a Friends of Design tradition.
When we started out, we were looking for 4 exciting individuals who were talented, exciting and slightly wacky with enough grit and stamina to withstand 13 weeks of tough technical training with challenges thrown in in between to keep them on their toes. And boy, did they live up to the standards! Each of the contestants gave all they could and were hungry for the win.

Above: Final Challenge – Battlefield

The FINAL Challenge
When the final challenge finally came around, the contestants were ready for action, war paint on their faces and dressed to kill. The challenge itself was a gruelling combination of brains and brawn, with 3 machines with software challenges loaded on them set up between physical tasks such as tyre jumping and jump rope skipping. Our current evening students sat back and relaxed with a drink, waiting for the show, whilst contestants’ better halves stood on the sidelines getting ready to cheer them on.

Above: Final Challenge – Contestants

The contestants were given the rundown before starting their challenge: each person must complete a Photoshop task, then jump through tyres, go on to a Illustrator task, do some skipping with the jump rope and then finally complete an InDesign challenge and run through the finish line.

And so it began; with much excitement and much nervousness, each of the contestants did their utmost to beat the allocated time of 10 minutes. Hands were shaking, music was pumping and people were cheering them on. Our very own Umpire Lucy was timing them and counting off the seconds and minutes and when they reached the finish line, it was with great relief and a sense of accomplishment all round.

Eventually all 4 completed (mere seconds apart!) and the judges adjourned to discuss places. Third place was taken by the redoubtable Christopher, Second by Ninja Duncan, and First was tied for by Marina and Benjamin. Champagne was uncorked and photos were taken, with everyone relaxed and chatting happily, the evening ended off with goodwill all around and in anticipation for the overall winner.

For this challenge was NOT the deciding factor as to who would take the title of winner and the prizes to go along with it. Oh no, this was to be determined by the point system which has accumulated since the start of the competition, with 5 points awarded for the winner of the challenge, 3 to the runner up and minus 5 for late hand ins / no hand in. The winner of the final challenge received 20 bonus points, the runner up 15 points.

Above: Final Challenge – Happy Contestants & F.O.D. Team

The Prize Giving
After adding up the points and making the arrangements, the final prizegiving in which the overall winner would be announced, was held at the trendy Blooze Bar in Kloof Street, in which we invited the contestants and their partners, as well as sponsors, students and staff.

The evening kicked off with a thanks and welcome by Eva Csernyanszky, school director, who then passed the mic to Philipp Schmid, our Marketing Manager, who gave the crowd a quick rundown of the online statistics of how Friends of Design grew during the preceding 3 months and 4 months of the competition. And boy, how we grew! Our online fanbase almost doubled in size, with over 2000 fans on Facebook, a huge increase in website traffic as well as our Twitter Stream. This is mostly due to our contestants’ enthusiasm for the competition, so massive thanks to them for promoting Design Bootcamp and for being as passionate about it as we were.

Above: Bootcamp Campaign – Success in Numbers

The fun started when we all sat back and relaxed to watch the video that was put together to show how the competition progressed from start to finish. Plenty of laughs were prompted, along with groans and even some blushing.

Prizes were then presented, with Christopher Beukman receiving 4th place, Benjamin Reisner in 3rd, Marina Greyling coming close with 2nd place and Duncan Boxshall Smith taking the trophy. Duncan showed incredible passion, perseverance and dedication right throughout the competition which was evident in the quality of his work and the votes he received from his fans and followers online.

Above: Prize Giving – The Winners & Sponsors

We are pleased to award him the title of winner, a copy of Adobe Design Premium CS5 kindly sponsored by Learning Curve and a prestigious internship from International Advertising Agency Draft FCB Cape Town.

The evening then ended off with some fun photoshoots and drinks, in which the contestants relaxed and enjoyed themselves and their achievements.
With that all said and done, Friends of Design would like to say a huge well done to ALL of our contestants who gave it their all and showed such great sportsmanship – we trust you had as much fun as we did and wish you all the very best.

Above: Prize Giving – The Winners & F.O.D. Team

Watch this space for our next exciting competition in which YOU could stand a chance to get 13 weeks of evening Desktop Publishing Training, take the title of winner and win great prizes!
Until next time, over and out!!!