James Robinson - Graphics

A blog for my AS graphic design work.

Evaluation

Throughout my briefed project, I have been able to use an extensive range of experimentation and have been able to develop my ideas thoroughly to produce successful outcomes. From each of the three briefs given, I chose the stammering posters brief as I felt that I would be able to experiment with typography effectively, as text based posters were required, and I could use artists such as Sam Winston and Craig Ward as my influences. For my initial research, I feel that I have provided an adequate amount of information to base my designs on-however within my project, I had to refer to additional sources aside my research including the British Stammering Association’s website. I took many initial primary photographs to use to produce pieces from, but as my artist influences and ideas developed they did not relate well. Fortunately as the posters were primarily text based, many primary photos were not needed.

I intended to present stammering in a representational form that would be appealing to the public audience that I am raising awareness of the condition for. By using my artist influences, I feel that I have been able to do this well by focusing on formations such as faces and cycles that can be related to the condition of stammering. Furthermore, I feel that my experimentations have been the strongest aspect of my development. By using interesting and usual medias such as iron filings and ink, I feel they have been successful and have been the prime foundations for most of my designs. I have used these particular medias as I feel they relate to stammering through their imperfect and somewhat messy appearance-reflecting the stammering condition.

From my variety of outcomes, the appearance and media used differs greatly in each. My preferred designs are my ink drop outcomes, and particularly the black and white design. I like the way the composition is balanced with the ink formation to the left and the information to the right, and I like how the black and white nature of the poster resembles the typical appearance of text. Throughout my coursework, I feel that both my composition techniques, photography quality, and quality of outcomes have improved as a result of practice and experimentation; these in which have all aided in producing this design.

Considering my weaknesses throughout the project, I believe my most unsuccessful outcome was the iron-filing poster design. I felt as though my initial experiments with the material were perhaps more successful than my outcome, as the technique I used with magnets had a greater effect on the larger singular letters, rather than the overall smaller word of ‘STAMMERING’. As I was unfamiliar with the media I should have perhaps experimented further in order to produce a more effective outcome.

Overall I feel that the project has been developed consistently throughout and that I have explored a number of both unique and experimental ideas that I have used to create some appealing pieces that strongly relate to the condition of stammering. I have further developed my skills in both Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and have been able to think of interesting concepts due to influence of the artists I have studied. I will be able to take what I have experienced and learned to use in subsequent projects. 

Project Outcomes

The outcomes I have produced throughout my project focusing on posters in relation to stammering.

Developed Alternative Designs

In order to develop my design from my initial poster, I have experimented with alterations in colour and composition of the design. I have scaled the ink image to fit the composition more effectively, and have included The British Stammering Association’s logo at the footer of the poster. Also, thinking of how text is typically recognised as being black on white, I have decided to produce a poster following this style. By using the replace colour adjustment, I have removed the yellow background and have increased the brightness to create a white background. To develop my design further with composition, I have increased the size of the ink image and have positioned it to the left. This allows me to present the ink image in a different and interesting way to my initial design. Also as I have positioned the ink to the left, I was given space to for the caption and information to be aligned on the right. I feel this creates a more appealing design and appears very different in composition from my initial design.

Initial Design

Primary photograph used for my poster design.

By deciding to incorporate my photograph taken of the ink into my design, I needed to relate it to stammering. I decided on the incentive that letters could be shown amongst the ink, so that they appear more unclear to read than if they weren’t. This would refer to the way that individuals who stammer find it hard to get their message across-with their stammering as a hindrance in conversation.

To decide on which letters to include, I used letters that are clearly recognisable and cannot be mistaken for part of the ink such as ‘H’ and ‘A’. I avoided the use of ‘I’ and ‘T’ etc, as I felt these would not be very clear to see amongst the ink because of their thin appearance. To create a variation of size and to replicate the behaviour of the ink, I made some letters larger than others. I wanted also to merge the ink and letters as realistically as I could to create a convincing effect. Using a smoke brush (which shares a similar appearance to an inky effect), I was able to merge together the elements of the poster.

Ink Drop Experimentation 

Considering how Craig Ward has experimented with ink as a media, I acknowledged the way his design distorted typography and decided to take on an alternative approach and if successful, relate my experimentations to my stammering posters brief.

After initially experimenting with ink, I wanted to develop my use of ink as it is a versatile media to use and the outcomes can be very appealing. Thinking of how I could differentiate its use to that of ink on paper, I decided to experiment with using ink drops in water to see if the forms created could be useful to create an outcome. By applying a generous amount of black ink onto a paintbrush, I placed the brush onto the surface of a water-filled beaker. Having a bright light behind the beaker allowed my camera to focus a lot more easily on the ink and acted as my background with a yellowish hue. Every time I repeated this process, the ink formations were completely different, and some looked greatly better than others-therefore I took many photos and would decide my chosen photograph to work on for an outcome. 

Experimentation Outcome

From each of my individual letters designs, I have comprised a composition in Photoshop where I have positioned each letter aside one another to form the word ‘STAMMER’. In order to do this in a way that made the composition interesting, I have connected each letter in relation to where the ink’s path is, so a line, or multiple lines is what join each letter. This helps to create a less strict formation and refers to the disruptive nature of stammering. Furthermore I the appearance of the ink formations together, resemble nerves, which helps conceive the idea that stammering is a speech disorder and is not in control of whoever has the condition.

The outcome of my experimentation with ink came out to be more successful than anticipated. The composition of the design is effective as it defies the strict formation of a word, however still retains some symmetry. Also the ink does not detract from the letters’ visibility, as they are very clear to see which is important for a text-based poster. I feel that within this design I have referred well to stammering, and have presented an effective representation of the conditions associated with it. I would like to further experiment with the media of ink so that I can further develop my ideas and produce additional outcomes.

Ink Type Experiment

Considering how Craig Ward has experimented with ink as a media, I acknowledged the way his design distorted typography and decided to take on an alternative approach and if successful, relate my experimentations to my stammering posters brief. I wanted to continue with experimenting with individual letters as I have with the iron filings, but also wanted to create a piece that reflected the conditions sufferers of stammering face. Here in my experiment, I have used ink to convey the random pattern and own path that stammering prevents words from being said. I have printed each character on an individual piece of paper, and I have created a small puddle of ink on various places of each letter. I have decided to use the word ‘STAMMER’ so that it is clear to the audience what the poster would be about. To reflect the stammer’s ‘own path’ it takes, I have held the paper vertically and rotated the sheet slowly. This allowed the ink to drip in it’s own route down the paper with only small guidance with me rotating the paper. I feel this experiment has produced some interesting outcomes and I hope to use each of the letters in a composition together to create an outcome.

Using methods that I have used previously when experimenting with the iron filings, I have used a magnet to defragment the word ‘STAMMERING’. I wanted to convey the idea that people who suffer from stammering have no choice for how they speak and they cannot speak normally as a result. By showing the words to be drawn to the bottom. I feel that I have conveyed this motive. To coincide with this idea, I have included the caption ‘Drawn From Normality’-this suggests that people who stammer do not have the choice to speak as they do, and should be accepted for how they do. I feel that the message I am conveying is clear and as the word ‘Stammering’ and The British Stammering Association’s logo is included, I feel that I do not need to include additional information. I think that the design of my stammering poster has been quite successful as a result of experimentation. The use of a thin and subtle font for the caption is effective as it does not detract from the iron filing focus point of the piece. Also, the scientific nature of the iron filings relates to the medical aspect of stammering. The composition of the iron filings have been presented in an interesting way and unusual way, however I feel that the word may be somewhat difficult to read, this may be in need of improving. 

Using methods that I have used previously when experimenting with the iron filings, I have used a magnet to defragment the word ‘STAMMERING’. I wanted to convey the idea that people who suffer from stammering have no choice for how they speak and they cannot speak normally as a result. By showing the words to be drawn to the bottom. I feel that I have conveyed this motive. To coincide with this idea, I have included the caption ‘Drawn From Normality’-this suggests that people who stammer do not have the choice to speak as they do, and should be accepted for how they do. I feel that the message I am conveying is clear and as the word ‘Stammering’ and The British Stammering Association’s logo is included, I feel that I do not need to include additional information.

I think that the design of my stammering poster has been quite successful as a result of experimentation. The use of a thin and subtle font for the caption is effective as it does not detract from the iron filing focus point of the piece. Also, the scientific nature of the iron filings relates to the medical aspect of stammering. The composition of the iron filings have been presented in an interesting way and unusual way, however I feel that the word may be somewhat difficult to read, this may be in need of improving. 

Iron Filing Poster Process

After experimenting with the media and realising how it could be used for a stammering poster, I have created another template depicting the words ‘STAMMERING’ to use for my design. I have arranged the text to a style that is similar to Craig Ward’s, and by placing the filings on top, I was able to create the letters in my template to magnetise.

Here the iron filings have been placed over the template; when removed, the letter shapes will be formed in iron filings which I can then distort with a magnet to produce my design.

I have decided to base the motive for this design on one that can relate to magnetism as well as stammering. For this I thought the concept of something being ’drawn away’ can refer to both of these. 

Iron Filing Experimentation Outcome

In order to adapt typography to the iron filing material, I thought the most appropriate way would be to create templates of individual characters by printing out a single letter, and using a scalpel to remove the letter from the middle. I chose to use a font with serifs as I felt they would be more recognisable in oppose to a sans serif, after they had been distorted. I evenly placed the filings over the template with another piece of paper underneath and when the template was removed, the shape of the letter was left in iron filings. After the shape of the letter was left, I used a magnet to draw away some of the filings to create somewhat of a distorted look. I experimented with the position of the magnet on different letters and how it affected the design. For the ‘H’, I used the magnet overhead and quite far away from the filings. This lightly took off a layer of the filings and gave quite a rough appearance with small gaps where you can see the paper underneath. For the ‘R’, I used the magnet underneath the paper with the filings. As none of the filings could stick to the magnet, it gave a more bold appearance and additionally allowed me to create a circular shape where the filings appear drawn away. For the ‘A’ I combined both of these techniques to experiment further. As I could not scan the loose iron filings, I photographed my designs to use as experimentation.

From the experiments produced, I feel that they have been successful in achieving a distorted typeface, which I could use to relate to stammering. From the experiments, I think that the ‘R’ has turned out most successful as the magnetism has created some interesting effects, and the letter is still clear and visible.

Experimentation with Iron Filings

Taking influence from the way Craig Ward uses a wide range of experimentation in his designs-including materials such as ink, hair and even cell manipulation. I have thought of how I can use a material that can be distorted or impaired to represent stammering. Thinking of how magnets can distort materials in interesting ways, I decided to use iron filings, as the small grains and high magnetism could be quite versatile in my designs.

Alternative Darker Poster To improve my poster design, I felt that the appearance of the image needed to be darker so that it does not look out of place with the dark caption of the poster. By using the burn tool on certain parts of the image and by duplicating the layer, I have been able to make the overall image darker. This I feel improves the overall quality of the composition.

Alternative Darker Poster

To improve my poster design, I felt that the appearance of the image needed to be darker so that it does not look out of place with the dark caption of the poster. By using the burn tool on certain parts of the image and by duplicating the layer, I have been able to make the overall image darker. This I feel improves the overall quality of the composition.

Design in Poster Format To make my design relevant to the brief, it is important that it is presented in the format of a poster. Realising that my design is too wide to produce a portrait poster, I have created the poster in landscape. To give relevant information to my poster, I have included the caption of ‘Lost beauty of dialogue’. This refers to stammering in the way that the beauty of the girl in the poster is slowly being blown away, whereas in stammering it is the beauty of conversation that is taken away. I have used additional aspects of Craig Ward’s style, by using the font ‘Bodoni’ to present my text similarly in appearance and composition to how he has done in his pieces ‘Ink and water don’t mix’ and ‘Don’t die from a broken heart’. Furthermore, the URL and logo of The British Stammering Association, as well as a quote from their website has been included as supporting information.

Design in Poster Format

To make my design relevant to the brief, it is important that it is presented in the format of a poster. Realising that my design is too wide to produce a portrait poster, I have created the poster in landscape. To give relevant information to my poster, I have included the caption of ‘Lost beauty of dialogue’. This refers to stammering in the way that the beauty of the girl in the poster is slowly being blown away, whereas in stammering it is the beauty of conversation that is taken away. I have used additional aspects of Craig Ward’s style, by using the font ‘Bodoni’ to present my text similarly in appearance and composition to how he has done in his pieces ‘Ink and water don’t mix’ and ‘Don’t die from a broken heart’. Furthermore, the URL and logo of The British Stammering Association, as well as a quote from their website has been included as supporting information.

Craig Ward Response Outcome By taking influence and through looking at the way Craig Ward has composed portraits that are created entirely from typography, I have attempted to adapt his style in my design. Noticing how many layers appear to be present in his pieces, with each layer being either a different opacity or scale, I decided to approach my design in a way similar to this. By selecting a tone from my image, I was able to then select parts that were similar to this and by going on another layer, I could use brushes that would be restrained within the selected area-meaning the shape of my image would still be clear as the brushes could not go outside of it. To be able to easily rotate and re-scale each letter I would use, I created an individual brush for each letter which I then used to fill in my composition. By using a variety of sizes and opacities for each of the letters, I have managed to create a piece that resembles the work of Craig Ward. I feel that my design has been successful as a text-based poster and is relevant to the stammering themed brief. The formation of the text appears to have no pattern and the ‘confused’ look presents how people who stammer can sound as if their words are confused. The clarity of the composition is quite clear, and it is easy to depict the face amongst all of the characters-this was something that I was initially worried about, as the facial features are very small in comparison to the hair. However I feel this has not been a problem and has been successful. Perhaps if I were to repeat this process, I would have reduced the size of some of the darkest letters because they tend to draw the focus from the rest of the composition.

Craig Ward Response Outcome

By taking influence and through looking at the way Craig Ward has composed portraits that are created entirely from typography, I have attempted to adapt his style in my design. Noticing how many layers appear to be present in his pieces, with each layer being either a different opacity or scale, I decided to approach my design in a way similar to this. By selecting a tone from my image, I was able to then select parts that were similar to this and by going on another layer, I could use brushes that would be restrained within the selected area-meaning the shape of my image would still be clear as the brushes could not go outside of it. To be able to easily rotate and re-scale each letter I would use, I created an individual brush for each letter which I then used to fill in my composition. By using a variety of sizes and opacities for each of the letters, I have managed to create a piece that resembles the work of Craig Ward.

I feel that my design has been successful as a text-based poster and is relevant to the stammering themed brief. The formation of the text appears to have no pattern and the ‘confused’ look presents how people who stammer can sound as if their words are confused. The clarity of the composition is quite clear, and it is easy to depict the face amongst all of the characters-this was something that I was initially worried about, as the facial features are very small in comparison to the hair. However I feel this has not been a problem and has been successful. Perhaps if I were to repeat this process, I would have reduced the size of some of the darkest letters because they tend to draw the focus from the rest of the composition.

Initial Composition

Original photograph.

In order to achieve my design idea, I would need to use primary images in order to start my composition. As mentioned earlier, my idea consists of letters being blown away which also forms a girl’s long hair. The idea of letters being blown away refers to stammering in the way some words are ‘out of reach’ for people with the condition to even say.

I have taken a primary photograph where a fan has been used to blow forward the hair -this allows for a naturally occurring windswept effect, rather than using Photoshop to replicate it and will make the design overall more convincing.

To add a greater sense of depth to the blown hair, I have taken a photo of her hair alone. This I have added to the original photograph to show a greater amount of hair blown, as shown in my hand-drawn idea.

By creating a composition with the hair combined, a more fit-for-purpose image has been created that will give me greater flexibility to work with when working in the style of Craig Ward. As the brief requires a series of text-based posters, I felt it is most appropriate to present my design in black and white, as people typically associate text with these colours. After removing the background from the image to create a white background, I used the posterize adjustment on the image to create fewer tones that will be easier to work with.