Reflection #3

I have currently been doing some research into Japanese culture and literature. I have been reading a few books by Japanese authors comparing writing styles and thinking about projects in which I can incorporate Japanese literature. Norwegian Wood was such a big inspiration and the epitome of the type of book I am interested in designing. Because of my love for Haruki Murakami's writing style and themes he deals with in his novels, I thought it would be an interesting idea to explore him further and maybe read a few of his books. I know that one of my favourite illustrators, Noma Bar has already designed a collection of books for a Murakami so this potentially could be an option? Also thinking about applying the work created to merchandise/posters/postcards/clothing/bookmarks etc.

Crit feedback:

• Treat this as an 'about the author' brief
• Really study Murakami and create imagery which can be applied to numerous outcomes
• Think about the books YOU enjoy responding to
• Could also think about old book covers, rejuvenated ' '50 Watts'
• Classic covers made more modern

My crit made me reflect on a few things as the brief we did in second year 'about the author' was something which I thoroughly enjoyed. The sheer freedom to express themes and motifs using various materials and processes. This combines both the heavily research side of a project with the intense making and strong visual elements which fits perfectly with me and my aesthetic. Designing a collection of books is also something which really excites me - there are so many things to consider when re designing a series, including the type, colour scheme and tone of voice. After designing the two books for Penguin, the prospect of actually pursuing a career in the publishing industry and designing books for a living sounds like an ideal job - because of these reasons I feel like it is pivotal that I create a Portfolio showcasing my skills in book designing.

Going forward

Start reading other books by Murakami

Think about the tone of voice you want to convey

Maybe take a trip to Waterstones or other book stores - look at collections, look for recurring themes, colour palette and how each book links with each other

Potential merchandise?

Think about the importance of the back cover and how the front and back connect

Look at designers who have made book cover collections - gain inspiration

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Wedding invites

• Really enjoyed painting again! Painting flowers is something I haven't done is so many years but it was a really nice break from working so digitally.
• I decided to use the flowers which will be used for the wedding
• I also decided to make my own type as this is something I have previous experience in doing
• I think the overall design is very successful and screams sophistication which is something I really wanted to convey
• Second time working for a client and it was actually really good, she had no issues with it at all so everything went very smoothly

Norwegian Wood experiments

• I really admire Haruki Murakami's writing style and the beautiful imagery he creates through his incredibly descriptive analysis of very mundane things.
• There seemed to be a lot of replication of themes and motifs throughout the book which I thought I could use to my advantage, for example, music, love and death. I thought red would be a great colour to represent both love and death and of course Japanese culture.
• Red birds and the guitar were heavily mentioned throughout the book so I thought this would be a great idea to incorporate in the design
• I also experimented with the concept of 'Norwegian Wood' being a song by The Beatles and played around with the classic Abbey Road album cover and them walking over a zebra crossing.
• There were just so many scenes within the book which I wanted to illustrate but I needed to find some restraint and MOVE ON.
• I think I am spending too much time on this book and trying to illustrate all the designs in my head.

Refelction #2

Over the Christmas break I was trying to plan my up and coming months and trying to  figure out possible briefs I could take part in. I was commissioned to design some wedding invitations which I thought would be a nice little side project. The invitations actually took longer than expected as my client wanted a very traditional approach, one which included watercolour paintings of flowers (something i haven't done in like 4 years) so it was something I need to adapt to fairly quickly. I definitely enjoyed the analogue approach however, it was a nice bit of fresh air as I have been working so digitally recently.

I have also made a start on the 'Norwegian Wood' brief for the Penguin competition. I especially enjoyed reading this book as there was so many themes and motifs that ran throughout, making it fairly easy to create imagery from. Haruki Murakami's writing style is something that resonated so well with me - it flowed so nicely and he has such a beautiful way of describing mundane things. I was very much hooked, unaware that I was speeding through the book. This prompted a change in my approach however, as I realised I was spending so much time reading the book and not enough time actually creating the imagery. In my crits I found out that book designers don't actually read the whole books as they simply do not have the time. They read the blurb to get a real sense of the story and tone of voice which I guess is the most important thing.

I was feeling a little lost in terms of future briefs and whether or not I should do a big final major project brief so this Tutorial came at a very good time.

Reflections:

• If I want to go into publishing then I need to start actually designing book covers frequently - making a portfolio of book cover designs to show the client/employer this is what I do.
• Think about Product Range and Distribution
• Think about how the book can look online and in retail
• The physical nature of the book? the paper used? if it's a limited addition version 
• Think about creating 3 sets of books? A collection of books by Murakami for example 
• DEFINE YOUR AUDIENCE

Going forward

This was an incredibly helpful crit as it gave me clear direction for the future. Me and Fred made and agreement for me to finish my current briefs and the propose 3 further projects thinking about sets of books and possible collections. I need to start thinking about the types of books i'd like to design and for what audience? Could I explore one author and design a series of books by that specific author or perhaps design 3 sets of books each with different authors.

Digital experimenting

• The hand made type is extremely impactful and gives an interesting composition, tying in nicely with the main visual element
• I wanted to show this idea of being trapped in a bowl of water, referencing a gold fish alone in a bowl of water, a metaphor for the protagonist's struggles throughout the book.
• My other concept was this idea of a 'wall of water' with the protagonist being washed up by a vicious wave of judgement. 
• I am definitely happy with my outcomes as I think I have drifted away from the obvious and tried to think of the concepts with a hidden meaning but still captured that pivotal emotion present in the book.
• I'm also very happy with my progress on Illustrator and becoming a lot more comfortable with using it

Reflection #1

I have been working on designing a book cover for ‘Wonder’ for the Penguin student award. Ben recommended that I gave this brief a go as he felt it would fit my graphic aesthetic. Designing a book cover is something I haven’t really experimented with before but after reading half the book already, I am currently feeling extremely motivated by the project. I have truly immersed myself into the plot, analysing the book throughout and trying to find hidden meanings and motifs which I could make interesting imagery from. There is something really exciting about recreating an existing piece of work but putting your own spin on it, interpreting it in a way which is personal to you and your aesthetic.I have always enjoyed reading books as I tend to get so wrapped up in the storyline and engaged with the characters that my imagination goes a little crazy and takes me away on this incredibly visual journey. This is specifically what’s happening with ‘Wonder’. I am really enjoying creating imagery for it as I have so many ideas on trying to represent the book or capturing the real essence and core if what the book is about through imagery.

I am finding it difficult to balance my COP project with Extended practice however as the deadline for COP is fast approaching so feel i should probably invest more time in perfecting that before continuing with this one. Going into my Tutorial I was feeling confident with my extended practice work and motivation but not so much with my Cop.

Crit feedback:

• Keep creating work for wonder, continue with the development and sketching. Successful!
• Do what you do best. Make your own type
• Create a timetable so you find it easier to balance your time.
• Aim to finish the book before Christmas.
• Maybe start to look at graphic design projects?
• Think about your personal projects as side projects
• Look at the 'era of Disinformation' brief
• Gif for women empowerment

Going forward:

Reflecting on my crit and where I am at with this project, the best thing for me to do is to complete this book cover as soon as a I can and then over Christmas, start making a plan for future projects. I think I still want to continue with book cover designing is this is a project i feel very motivated by and really enjoy. I will definitely be attempting the other book ‘Norwegian Wood’ in the Penguin design competition and hopefully this will lead me onto more graphic design/book briefs. I also intend to use Illustrator a lot more, as I feel like if I were to potentially look into having a career in publishing, my skills on Illustrator will be hugely beneficial as it is something which employers look for.

Overall, I am feeling a little stressed about COP but the prospects of this module is actually keeping me going and excited. I look forward to really getting stuck in and making work which I am genuinely interested in doing after I graduate.






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Statement of intent

Intent/tone of voice:

My work is predominantly striking and bold, with high contrast, strong use of negative space and colour. I have an intent of making statements with my work, a strong emphasis on aesthetic. I try and think what is beyond initially obvious, using metaphors and interesting compositions to provoke the viewer and make them stop and think.

Themes/Subjects:

I quite like research driven projects - a great opportunity to delve into the history and culture of the subject and create work which isn’t surface level. I have a knack of creating quick snappy ideas and concepts so feel my work fits with editorial illustration. I’m intrigued by using shapes and simplifying imagery into abstract form , playing around with colour and texture, and how this links with the conceptual side of things.

Audience/Context:

My work appeals to more of the older generation because I tend to deal with subjects which the older person would have less difficulty in understanding. However I do feel that my aesthetic has potential to appeal to more of the younger generation because of its simplicity and modern style, especially if I were to print them onto clothing for example. My work can be quite conceptual at times, with deep hidden meanings, allowing the audience to fully engage in the piece of work. I can see my work being used for editorial briefs,  and being applied to books, posters, clothing because of that strong visual element.

Goals and ambitions:

Start printing my work onto clothing. Enter more competitions. Create a website and instagram account. Continue with commissions. Experiment with screen printing as it fits well with my aesthetic. Start looking at placements and external opportunities. Look at designing book covers and experiment with applying my work to varying contexts within illustration.

Practical skills/media/format:

Screen printing, mono printing and lino. I see myself as a print maker. I like to use a combination of print and digital (Illustrator and Photoshop) using textures and layering techniques. Illustrator is something I have only used  briefly in the past and I really enjoyed it so I aim to experiment more with that.

Potential Content/ Outcomes:

Start exploring research driven projects

Look into political/social posters? Making a strong statement through design

Create more logo designs as this is something where my strengths lie

Look at the idea of designing book covers and inside illustrations - this is something I really enjoyed doing first year

Look at metaphors and how to use them, avoiding the obvious

Creating more simple imagery using minimal colours

Use more digital techniques as this is something which employers look for in the skills department

Maybe make some more gifs? Also something I really enjoyed first year - bringing my work to life through very simple tech