OUGD405 | Studio brief 01 - Research

To begin my research, I began to look at existing picture frames being sold in a range of stores. I began by looking at the lower end of the high street, Wilkinsons. The frames all shared the same backing paper with a simple geometric design and text. This contained all the right information but did not advertise the frames very well- they seem a bit boring and unappealing. I have taken inspiration from the circular design as this is a requirement of my brief. 

A close up of a Wilkinsons frame backing paper design. 

The shelf containing the same repeated design. 

I then visited Clas Ohlsen as I felt this store was more focussed on home decor. Unfortunately, the designs here were no more interesting and no less repetitive. All frames featured a black and white photograph of flowers, framed by a white box with the size. 

Single frame backing paper design - Clas Ohlsen.

Shelf of frames with floral photographs.

TK Maxx has a really unique home department so it felt appropriate to see what designs were on offer. I found this the most interesting as there was a variety of different designs in the frames. I also found a few geometric patterns within these which helps with my brief. 

I like the idea of geometric pattern.

More floral designs! I would rather not go down this route as I have explored it before. 

Text only design. Too simple/boring in my opinion. 

A photo of frames in a frame! This seems like an unusual idea to me.

Floral/victorian style paper. Not the route I would like to go down. 

This was the most interesting design I came across. I think it is a close up of a flower and although I do not want to go down this route I am still inspired by the approach of the design. I like the brighter colour scheme and the sketchiness of the shapes. 

Another Victorian wallpaper style paper. I feel that this design is becoming quite unoriginal.

Close up victorian wallpaper style paper. 

Another exploration of shape and pattern. 

I then continued my market research into stores such as Harvey Nichols, however these stores did not currently stock any photo frames. There seems to be a lack of creativity in this market and I feel that this brief is a good opportunity to make these frames more interesting and desirable. I think that the design within the frame has the power to make the frame look cheap or expensive regardless of the price of the frame .  My next step is to consider what themes I can use for my frames and how I can bring shapes into this.