LEARNING CONTRACT: Nature of project.

So i have finally got my learning contract signed off by my second marker after much deliberation and after many twists and turns my project has a definate objective. Here is a rundown of my learning goals and objectives;

NATURE OF PROJECT:
To create a set of characters that can be used in a variety of marketing or branding scenarios. Based on my chosen research and design, the characters will be created and marketed with the aim of capturing versatility across a particular demographic. In this case i will be aiming at generation Z ( generation Z refers to people born in the 90's and 00's).

 i will be analysing the demographic i have chosen and researching the differences that separate generations x,y and z. This will enable me to create strong basis in which i can support my character design for that specific generation.

Research will be based on books, online resources and first hand information fromorganisations and companies that have been successful in creating characters that have had franchises created from them.

Some books that i will investigate in my literature review will be "How to create strong characters" by Linda Beihman. Also Alan Moore's "Writing for comics".

I will also be utilising the skills i have accrued in modules i have completed such as Digital storytelling that taught me various skills about how to create characters, their backstories and the various other aspects of digital storytelling.

Furthermore i will be collecting information from organisations that have used characters to brand and market successful products with taking particular interest in companies that have changes their branding to attract specific demographics in different era's. I will also be looking into companies that have appealed to all generations with their branding such as Kellogg who have kept a lot of their characters for generations and are still appealing.

To keep up with my learning goals and objectives i have created a blog that outlines the research i am conducting and my progress with the project (this is an alternative to a paper based dairy). I also will create a Gant chart that i will use to time manage my project and enable me to progress successfully in adherence to this time scale. I have been and will be attending weekly meetings with my supervisor to help me keep on track with my objectives.

Skills required are (depending on the additional deliverable) 3D based software such as Maya (already acquired), Z Brush (being studied at present, or video based editing and motion graphics/special effects software such as Adobe Premiere Pro (acquired) and Adobe After Effects (currently being studied.