Tommy Handley in collaboration with Rory Cormack
Intro to the Project
My project will be a collaboration aiming to enhance a portfolio for a third year graphics student from Manchester , Rory Cormack , by design his portfolio is diverse and includes many different styles of graphics. The project will consist of 4-5 tracks , each stylised to a specific section of his portfolio. I intend to make the music enhance sections of the portfolio Rory would like to show off. The intention is to create a wide range of different videos to showcase the many different styles Rory is comfortable working in.
Goals
- Enhance the portfolio for potential new clients
- Create a professional seamless score which highlights important sections of his work
- Work efficiently and professionally with my collaborator to get as close to his vision as possible
- Learn and Research other brands and how they use music to market their products then implement it into my project
- Create a clear and easy line of communication between both parties
- Create a comfortable work environment where both parties can achieve the best
Personnel
- Tommy Handley – Co head of the project ; third year music production student who specialises in being able to utilise synths and his wide instrument ability to change his sound according to a brief. This is something I want to put at the forefront of my work using the different tracks to encapsulate how the graphic should make you feel
- Rory Cormack – Co head of the project ; third year graphics student who specialises in sport branding , specifically clothing , shoes and football. However Rory is known to branch out and work in fields less akin to the fitness world. He aims to showcase his diversity of work to new clients so they are more inclined to hire him
- James Morriss – Musician – Multi instrumentalist James Morriss is a potential person to work on this project . Due to the nature of the project I intend to track some things live , due to this I need a few extra hands in the studio therefore I intend to utilise James.
- Spencer Ashworth – Filmographer – There is a possibility that Me and Rory will decide to do some live recordings to enhance his graphics . In this instance I will utilise my connection to the filmography Spencer Ashworth who I have already built up a professional relationship with over years in the industry.
Rationale and Methodology
For this project my method has been to keep a constant line of communication between both parties involved. Due to three other projects of mine falling victim to poor communication which ultimately led to the death of the project , I have found maintaining clear communication between both collaborators is of the upmost importance. When approaching Rory with the idea for this project I already had this mindset as me and Rory have worked together multiple times in the past , on top of this I have known him for over a decade. These factors alongside his need for a portfolio for third year made for a perfect collaboration.
Going into the project I knew I wanted to capture Rorys vision for his portfolio , pictured above are the reference images that I was sent by Rory . The first thing I noticed was the diversity of the images , this lit a fire inside me as I began thinking of ways to transition between these different genres of design. My method is to map out the entire thing in a rough logic project (section , dividers , drum beats , tempo changes) giving me a vision for what the finished product will look like . From there I begin working through creating different pieces and sounds for each style. The inspiration for this project comes from these reference pictures and the video links below , I wanted to find a way to transition between these massively different genres of design seamlessly and effectively.
Market Analysis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaArq0NZN7I https://youtu.be/6h6b4LPq1Vw?si=cmSwfgTiPlbpxPuc https://youtu.be/-JH1V8cbAXo?si=gmAGRZPbeSuyQfeS
After undergoing market analysis I could not find a seamless portfolio which utilises different genres of music to emphasise and symbiotically showcase Rorys technical diversity within his graphics portfolio. Because of this , my market research consists of different adverts which align with the style Rory usually designs in.
The audience we are trying to reach with this project mostly consists of 25-30 year olds as we are looking to market Rory towards individuals already well into their working career. In doing this we can ensure Rorys portfolio is looked at as a legitimate and professional candidate.
Entering the corporate world to try and find out what our market will enjoy had led me to finding out about this 2D corporate style. Something Rory has already worked in this style and from what I can tell the music consists of almost lo-fi , inoffensive and minimal traits.
Costs and Budgeting
Rory Cormack – 3500 whole thing
Tommy Handley – 2250 whole thing
Spencer Ashworth – 150 per session
James Morriss – 150 per session
These are all the personnel who I could use for this project. In a hypothetical budget I would set myself £8000 , this will cover all personnel plus any external travel / food cost I should need as the project goes along. To keep costs at a low I have ensured all equipment I need I either already have or can rent out.
Contingency / Risk Assessment
For this project I have been down many different routes and tried many different options. Originally I had the plan to create a dance showreel which showcased the diversity of genres the dancer was capable of. However due to a communication breakdown between the parties this fell through. On top of this I also planned to work with a Games designer who I have worked with professionally before. However , due to creative differences between both parties I had to leave this project behind. Understanding that I need a contingency however I ensured to maintain the line of communication open and clear so in the case my project falls through I have a backup project waiting and ready to go. I also have demos and other pieces of the puzzle from earlier in the year when I was working on this project.
Potential for Development
There is a lot of potential for development in this project as the next steps seem clearer than ever. Moving forward I intend to develop a demo for one section of the portfolio. I also intend to meet up with Rory face to face again. Although it is not of the upmost importance that we see each other face to face , I believe it is beneficial for the projects future as it is easier to communicate ideas between parties while you’re actually there to answer. I believe the bi weekly FaceTime calls to iron out the project have been massive in helping me understand the vision for the project , however moving forward I intend to utilise more of Rorys other work to streamline what my music should sound like.
Evaluation Viability
From my feedback from my presentation , particularly from Cat , she explained how the line of communication between both parties for my original project was flawed from the start. I understand it was foolish of me to keep pursuing this project even thought all resources pointed to it not working out. I believe my intention was to keep hold of a project once I had got one. Seen as it had taken me so long to find a project I wanted to maintain one once I had found a collaborator. However , after my presentation , I realised I had to change my method. From there I got in contact with Rory Cormack. After everything I have explained , I believe this new project is very viable. The line of communication is open and clear , I have worked with Rory in the past of there is no awkwardness and we can both work to our full potential from the get go , also basically the whole project can be done digitally which is useful for two people who are busy. Another area I had to improve is the amount of detail and content within my project. Cat highlighted that if I was to of been paid for this project than the presentation would not let people trust me. However to combat this I ensured to gather as much information and research as possible before undergoing this task.
Bibliography
Instagram.com. (2017). Rory Cormack (@rza.graphicdesign) • Instagram photos and videos. [online] Available at: https://www.instagram.com/rza.graphicdesign?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [Accessed 3 Dec. 2025].
BallerFX – Sports Motion Design (2024). Detroit Tigers 2024 Postseason Sports Motion Graphics Package. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaArq0NZN7I [Accessed 3 Dec. 2025].
Youtu.be. (2025). Available at: https://youtu.be/6h6b4LPq1Vw?si=cmSwfgTiPlbpxPuc [Accessed 3 Dec. 2025].
Reddit.com. (2025). Blocked. [online] Available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/graphic_design/comments/1grb59y/create_separate_portfolios_for_marketing_and/ [Accessed 3 Dec. 2025].
