ITAP Lecture 9- Production for Visual Communicators

The Experts-

In order to achieve your potential as a visual communicator, you must be aware of whats happening within your practice. An aspect of this, is to take influence from your design heroes, as they are at the for front design all across the world. I try to take influence from a wide range of artists in order to broaden my outlook on my own personal work. When trying to figure out an effective solution to a brief, I always feel I can be more productive when taking a keen interest in other design work. 

Within my field of work, it would be normal to take inspiration from other graphic communicators, although the images below are by the illustrator Ralph Steadman. I feel that I can take elements from work such as this in order to fulfil problems of a different nature in graphic communication.

I have always found Steadman Work extremely interesting, especially during my time at college, where I attempted to recreate similar work in a number of projects. His unique style, that is instantly recognisable are extremely detailed but also include aggressive strokes that add another dimension to his work. I have always taken a keen interest in the text he uses, as simple as his own handwriting, although it really gives a insight into his thoughts and emotions. His work defines the phase, articulate mess, but the outcome is an amazing range of images that a viewer can really feel a connection to.

Novice to Expert- 

Within this section, i will use the novice to expert scale provided to gage the standard I'm currently working at. In order to do this i will present an example of each aspect and state what level that is most equal to.

 Knowledge 

I feel that knowledge of your practice is something that you gain over a number of years as you surround yourself with it on a daily basis. In my case, I've only been fully concentrating on design since i left school over two years ago. Since then i have gained a fair amount of knowledge that I can exploit in my own work. Although this is only the tip of the ice berg as there is unthinkable amounts of knowledge of could gain over the next few years. 

My current level of knowledge has been gained by research, discussion, lectures, social networking, feedback, and taking into consideration what you tend to see on day to day life. 

The above are image i have used in a recent project to show that i have considered other pieces of work currently out there. I Knew of these due to the fact that i regularly look at a website called Coloribus, having this in mind, it makes it easy to incorporate it into your work.

Level I'm currently working at- Beginner

Standard of work-

I feel i can produce a decent standard of work as long as I'm working within an aspect I'm comfortable with.

 The above are example of a recent phone application I designed for the "Welcome to BIAD" brief. I feel that the overall look of the application is up to standard, although due to the fact that I'm not familiar with flash, i cant make it a fully functional application.

Level I'm currently working at- Competent

Autonomy- 

With my own work, I feel I need reassurance in order to move forward in a project. I only really need this when I'm considering any initial ideas and reviewing the final piece. The bits in between such as the research are aspects i feel I can easily do. An example of this is when we were arranged into groups for the "Inform and Invite" brief and did not have chance to run our ideas past the tutor. Due to this didn't hit the brief correctly, therefore producing a poor outcome. 

Level I'm currently working at- Beginner

Coping with Complexity- 

When given a brief, I enjoy trying to produce a outcome that i feel fulfils the brief and more. In order to do this you need to be able to understand what is being asked of you. I feel that I can cope with elements such as this, although not yet at a standard where I can produce a unique outcome. This is shown by the phone application I produced for new students as it wasn't the most exciting finished piece. 

Level I'm currently working at- Beginner

Perception of Context- 

When working on a project, you always need to keep the main elements in mind so you can produce a relevant outcome. This involves taking a number of steps such as thumbnail sketches to produce the best possible work. 

 The images above show the progression of ideas in order to produce a final outcome. This shows that i have kept in mind the main idea through the design process allow me to make a relevant final piece. 

Level I'm currently working at- Competent

ITAP Lecture 8- Image & Text

Image and Text-

An image without text can be vague as people can perceive it in many different ways. This can lead to misconception in some circumstances and not convey the message it wishes to. When capturing abstract images,  you may want the viewer to attempt to understand the image without the aid of text, although in other forms of design, the use of text is necessary. Especially in the form of advertising, as it is of extreme importance that the message is understood in order to achieve a successful advertisement. 

Above is an print advertisement with the text covered up in order to illustrate how text can effect the outcome of an image. With this example, the image can be perceived in many different ways. I could consider the ear phones and think it has something to do with music or an advertisement about friendship. It depends on how you depict the image. 

 When the text becomes a part of the image, you get clarification of the message. In the case of this ad,the message becomes very apparent, even though the image has no links to drugs. This is because you can create a subconscious link between the two elements. 


From this quick analysis, you can appreciate how text can improve the transparency of a piece. Especially in the world of advertisement, where it is vital not convey the wrong message. There are also many examples of text used in different areas of visual communication that don't just convey a message. Its also used to convey other elements, such as thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Text Used to Convey Emotion-
  
I have just stated the importance of text when you wish to convey a clear message to the viewer. Although text is also used widely to convey emotions rather than an image by itself. The combination of the two can create powerful imagery that can become applicable to a wider range of people, as you don't need the ability to depict an image. 

Jenny Holzer

 Above are a series of images by conceptual artist Jenny Holzer who projects large text on buildings as well as using LED signs. Much of the text used has a a deeper meaning behind it with violence, war, feminism and many other subjects that she may feel strongly about. 

She utilizes this technique of Presenting here work in public places to make people aware of something that is meant to be low key. For example, in the past she has outed documents about US army interrogation techniques where human rights have been exploited. Documents like this are meant to remain out of the public eye in order not to tarnish organizations such as the government. 

This makes a public place, such as a building integrally different to in comparison to a lone image. It can cause a flood of emotions when you have a shocking statement projected onto a 50ft building.