做。 – Page 2 – 15 | To create is to make.

Project 2 – Point of view | Final

Hi, this is Mr. Long neck (In other words, long neck also means ‘reaching out to connect’ , which is why I chose to name this project as long neck series.) Today, we will be exploring some aspects of social media , Instagram in particular. So why social media? In today’s world context, you can see how social media have impacted our lives as well as our dependency on them. Parts of social media language and actions are actually around us too hence, in this project, I wish to present them in the form of daily lives scenarios in hoping to inject some humor as well as to serve as a possible guidance (a mini introduction to some key actions on Instagram as these functions tend to be misused/over-used online at times) for new users on Instagram. Now, let’s see how these social media actions would have been in real life context.

Before I start, Here’s how the idea came about! ?

While working on the first panel, the final idea of using bottle as a metaphor crossed my mind as I was thinking how to better connect my pieces together. Having bottles in two of my composition and not the rest leads me to thinking how I could better link all these pieces together. Knowing that it would be really inconsistent and random if I were to leave the two composition and illustrate something else in the rest of the panels, I decided to relay all of my panels by using bottle as a metaphor. I tried to brainstorm how bottle could actually be used for each statements without it feeling too random and forced upon. As I work on the possible ways, I realized there are actually many possible ways than I thought and I start to visualize how I would form them visually. (Coincidentally, long neck can be used to describe bottle?)

Here’s my final six artwork,

Final-02 — Click to see the textures and details. I have incorporated layers of textures in some of the panels to suggest a different atmosphere. – mostly grainy, grungy, subtle cross lines and noise patterns etc.

Final-03 — Click to see the textures and details. I have incorporated layers of textures in some of the panels to suggest a different atmosphere. – mostly grainy, grungy, subtle cross lines and noise patterns etc.

A walk through for each pieces,

For better conveying of message, I’ve make my images into a form of small animation that roughly speaks the idea of my intended message. (PS: Some textures are not included in the animation pieces, in case you wonder why some of them looked different from the ones posted above.)
Emoticon from the point of view of real life context is disguise.

Emoticon is basically a tool creates to allow us to express our emotions virtually through adorable little face icons etc. Just like the abbreviation, LOL (laugh out loud) is often used virtually even though you don’t particularly feel that way in real life. Hence, emoticon in real life context is like a form of disguise. In this case, instead of bottling up your thoughts, you bottled up your real emotion/feelings. I presented it in a form of masks (often used in context like role-playing or used to disguise/deceive), whereby layers and layers are constantly being switched/replaced whenever and wherever. The real feelings/emotion was never once shown which explains why the bottle is tinted green to indicate the transparency of one’s emotions (Generally, one can never be fully clear of one’s emotion unless it’s being expressed).

Hashtag (#) from the point of view of real life context is Classification.

Hashtag (#) is used on Instagram as a tool to categorize/classify things so you can easily locate stuffs as well as get engage and discover people who share the same common interest as you. (Such as, #HHN5 , #NDP2015 can easily link you to photos of people who had participated in these events as well.) However, nowadays hashtag are often used randomly as a trend/icon, whereby people used it as a way to gain followers etc. In the form of real life context, I will identify hashtag with sorting up of stocks in supermarkets whereby items are carefully classify under different categories to provide better shopping experience for shoppers. Another possible scenario would be, classifying peoples in different categories (stereotyping), however I find that this is not so appropriate to be used for this hence I strike off this idea.

Follow from the point of view of real life context is affirmation/acknowledgment.

To follow someone on Instagram, might means befriending with them virtually so that you can get engage/subscribe to their updates. To be allowed to follow them also reflects their willingness to open up to you. Similarity, in real life context, I would relate this to getting consent from someone to get beyond their personal space. It’s like visiting someone’s house and getting welcome into their space. On the other hand, it could simply means getting engage in a conversation with someone. In this case, the glass bottle represents the personal space of one. To be invited into this space to engage in a conversation is similarity like the follow button on Instagram. One only allows you to follow them if they feels comfortable for you to cross their personal boundaries.

Update from the point of view of real life context is sharing of information.

To update your Instagram, simply refers to uploading of photos/videos etc to share with your followers. Basically, sharing anything. Similarity, in real life context, I would relate this to sharing of information such as news, broadcasts, announcement or simply talking/sharing to your friend about your latest pet. In this case, sharing of information is shown through the action of emptying the bottle which also means ‘pouring your hearts out’. Similarity, to update on the other hand, is like pouring whatever content on your mind out to share.

Block from the point of view of real life context is restrictions.

To be blocked on Instagram, is generally most peoples’ nightmare. As this means they could no longer get access to the updates of the person they are being blocked by (In another way, it’s like being placed in a cold freezer-neglected and excluded. Hence, cool colors is used in this composition to express loneliness and segregation). It’s like literally building blocks up to form walls/barriers so as to prevents the other party from intruding into your territory/space. Similarity, in real life context, I would relate this to being locked up in places or being held up by thoughts and perspectives. To be locked up, limits and restricts you from doing anything you want. (Uses gigantic haunting dark shadow to depicts the fear of being restricted that is secretly haunting inside each of us as well as the need to be free. The bottle reflects how it feels like to be restricted, with limited space within the bottle that leaves the character gasping for air. In this case, the only way to escape is generally by breaking the glass, similarity it also means by breaking the transparent boundaries/barriers set up by the particular user.)

Tag from the point of view of real life context is identification.

To be tagged on Instagram, can either be a nightmare or a kind of acknowledgment/recognition. I have seen cases whereby people use it as a form of recognition to recognize someone efforts such as tagging them on photos of pastries/gifts that was baked/bought by them. However, according to the developers of Instagram, tags are actually designed for users to use it to notify their friends when they upload photos or photos that includes them. Hence, to be tagged in real life context can be like a form of identification, just like the name tags that some of us used to pin on to our blouse/shirt or the brand labels found at the back of your daily apparels. It’s there serving as a form of identification/identity. It came off loud and clear even without any form of verbal communication. Thus, in this case, I presented it as a product being labelled/tagged with visuals indicating it’s on sale! Subject is also deliberately placed in a transparent package to highlight the transparency of tagging (It’s there for everyone to see). Lights are cast onto the subject itself to bring the subject to the center of attention to indicate the clarity as well as the effects of tags on Instagram.

Overall, I uses complementary colors in some of my panels (Like green and pinkish red etc). This colors was also picked with reference on the kind of colors editorial illustrators would use (usually very vibrant and saturated colors). I purposely kept white borders in these pieces to ‘frame’ them as well as to draw the viewers’ attention to my content. Referencing from my artist references/mood board, I picked up techniques like connecting of borders with objects by using similar colors so that they feels like one as well as trying my best to keep my background minimal so that the subject is clear. Lastly, shadows and contrast are also used to create volume and dynamism to my objects, not forgetting the small details such as reflections on the glass bottles are carefully illustrated with the intention to make it as convincing as possible.

Below are some photos of my work,

LNSphotos-01 — Test prints on different kinds of paper. I kind of like how the wrong prints (the b/w prints) came out. Prof Joy also pointed out about unintentional lines formed when printing via inkjet printer which I didn’t notice initially.

LNSphotos-02 — Close-up shot of textured effect printed onto paper as well as pieces covered with literal filters.

LNSphotos-03 — Shots of the final piece printed on smooth matte cartridge paper. Uses this type of paper as it reminds me of the little postcards found in some magazine (for instance, smith journal etc) in between pages.

In conclusion, I’m quite satisfied with the outcome of this project as it have been a really longgggggggg and slow brain baking process for me, really glad that it kind of turned out better than the possible worst scenarios I have thought of initially (while I was stuck). It took me quite awhile to pick up keywords and brainstorm ideas for each of the statement, what makes it even tougher is having to illustrate aspects of social media in real life context (but this is definitely one of the best way to convey the message more effectively).

This project definitely stretched my brain and expanded my mind in a way. ? In terms of execution wise, I picked up a new technique of illustration ; incorporating textures in my illustration/digital painting (something that I will definitely make use of in future)! I have also slightly grown more sensitive towards contrast and colors than before (Colors was really one of my weakness even before I joined ADM as I have this tendency to use muted colors for my work, thankfully not this time round)! Not forgetting, while documenting these pieces to update, I learnt how to animate them as well (Not the best but am glad that I manage to make it :)).

However, given a chance to re-edit these pieces, I would add in more details on each character in terms of their outfit and hair (as I felt that the characters can be further elaborated). Additionally, I would include words in my other three panels and add in more bottles and human for panel 2 (#Hashtag) (both suggested by prof Joy) to make it more consistent! Last but not least, really thankful for all the kind feed backs and I am quite excited for the new project! ?

With this, I shall end off this post with one of the feed backs I got from one of my classmates, which I find amusing in particular! ?

FullSizeRender — Didn’t thought of it till you mentioned! Really so much of coincidence, hahaha! ??

Lastly, don’t forget to check out the WIP here, if you haven’t! ?

Project 2 – Point of view | WIP

Print — So.. earlier this week, I carelessly deleted one of work file for this project while replacing my dying hard-drive for my laptop but good news is .. thankfully, I still have one initial WIP file (with big shapes but no details) with me! Which makes redoing it less painful, sorry if some of the details isn’t the same as before! – Tip: remember to open up any file to check before deleting!

Back to point, just like Mr. long neck’s longggggggggg neck, this is going to be a longgggggggggg post, will be covering my initial steps in this post as well. ☺️(PS: Organized my stages of progress in segments using lines, hope it’s clearer!)

Like everyone else, I’ve my own fear too. I used to have ‘Aichmophobia’, a fear for sharp objects, but for my case, particularly penknife and stitching. I was greatly traumatized by an accident that happened when I was 9. 8 years later, I am faced in a situation whereby I have to deal with pen knives almost every week that it soon becomes a habit and eventually got me out of this trauma (hmm, a blessing in disguise probably, haha!), it was definitely a long process as whenever I held on to a pen knife, my palms gets sweaty and shaky. What adds on to this is having to hold on a pen knife using my scarred hand. Thankfully, now it’s no longer an issue anymore! (Okay, enough of my long-winded story. Now, back to point.) ☺️

This is why I decided to start off this project with the topic on fear as fear is something everybody has experienced throughout their lives. I looked into both rational and irrational fear and came out with three concepts (being: (1) Point of view from a person who suffers from social anxiety, (2) Some irrational fears social media have caused and lastly, (3) using face which I consider as the most vulnerable part of one to portray each rational fear. After my first consultation and further brainstorming, I decided to further develop concept (2). In terms of our current context, I thought that concept (2) will be better understood by some after all it’s regarding social media!

With this, I came out with a few sentences based on some of these popular social networking sites/applications commonly used in today’s world context. Also managed to bounce off some ideas during lunch with Desiree and Jie lin which derived me to my final concept of bringing social media context into real life. ☺️

Sentences I came out with :

(initially wanted to create humor as to remind one that social media actions are not a big deal so there’s no need to worry/put so much stress when being excluded/neglected on social medias. As research have shown that communication/actions on social medias tend to affect users emotionally.)

(1) Blue tick is a silence form of acknowledgement.
(2) Tagging is just a label.
(3) It’s important to have your own opinions. Don’t follow.
(4) Befriending with you virtually doesn’t make us friends in reality.
(5) Virtual likes can’t buy you real likes.
(6) Emoticon is more than just an icon.

stage2-01 — **Initial conceptualize stages** – mind map, ideas and finally, a concluding mind map.

During my second consultation as a group, some classmates pointed out that there might be ‘noises’ in my work, whereby my viewers might not be able to visualize my intended message in some of my panels, which I kind of agree as well. Was also discussing whether to use a single panel or several panels for each statement to narrate the point across as several panels tend to works better in narrating without words as audience can always look at the next panel to figure out what’s happening in the previous panel. However, there’s too many considerations/concerns to be wary of, particularly space and time constraints. Thus, classmate suggested to include sentences or words in panels to hint audience about its content. Was still in confusion after consultation, thankfully Prof Joy offered some time to clear up my doubts. Prof Joy suggested using real life situations to illustrate each social media context so that viewers can better interpret my point. She also suggested to focus on one social media, to narrow down my focus so that it will be easier to tackle them.

Drew up a concluding mind map to refresh my mind that evening. Decided to put my focus on Instagram, one of the widely used social networking service catered for one to record moments through capturing photos and videos to share with their friends. Identified and looked up on the functions of some of the commonly virtual actions such as tag, emoticon, hashtag, follow etc before drafting out my final point of view statements. Additionally, to avoid clashes, I picked out 6 actions that are slightly more different with one another, below are the 6 actions I’ve picked out.

In social media context,

(1) Emoticons – is to express your emotions virtually.
(2) Hashtags – is to categorize topics to allow users to engage with people of common interests.
(3) Follow – to follow is to get engage with someone’s updates or to make friends.
(4) Updates – is sharing snippet of your daily lives.
(5) Un-follow/Block – is to unsubscribe people from viewing contents you’ve shared.
(6) Tag – to notify your friends that you’ve upload images & they’ve been tagged in them.

6 finalize point of views that I’ll be looking at :

(1) Emoticon from the point of view of real life context is disguise
(2) Hashtag from the point of view of real life context is classification.
(3) Follow from the point of view of real life context is affirmation/acknowledgment.
(4) Updates from the point of view of real life context is sharing/broadcasting.
(5) Un-follow/Block from the point of view of real life context is restrictions.
(6) Tag from the point of view of real life context is identification.

Of looking at references,

Joan cornella-01 — Initial artist reference – Joan Cornella. Whereas, for my finals pieces, I further proceeded on to look into other illustrators such as John Holcroft, Emiliano Ponzi, Tom Haugomat and Malika Favre.

With the intention to portray my work in a less intimidating and witty yet thought provokingmanner , I looked into some examples of how humor was usually presented in editorial design. Why editorial design? Since my concept is ‘bringing digital context to real life context’, I thought editorial design/prints is a great reference to look into.(* Mood Board – Click to view style & references I’ve gathered/referenced to.)

Characteristics of their illustrations :

(1) Usage of color blocks.
(2) Clear focus on subject (with minimal background in some pieces).
(3) Usage of textures.
(4) Great contrast of shadows.
(5) Flat illustration style.
(6) Similar usage of color for object and border makes them feels as though they’re one.

Of designing character,

**Exploring character style** – to find the ‘ideal’ type that gives off a sense of humor. Picked out a particular distinct feature from some of my them to finalize my character design.

LND — **Finalize Character – Mr Long Neck.** (Think the neck can be longer though, hahaha ? )

Of brainstorming,

Referencing from examples prof Joy suggested, I came up with some new ideas for each statement as well.

Emoticon in real life context,

Panel (1) : is like invisible imagery of another you.
Panel (2) : is like disguise/hiding your real emotions.
Panel (3) : is like an act of role-playing.

initialdesign2 — Initial ideas for **‘Hashtag’**.

Hashtag in real life context,

Panel (1) : are like a fashion icon/trend/accessory.
Panel (2) : are like seasoning to your food, which adds on flavor to them.
Panel (3) : are like an act of categorizing/stereotyping.

initialdesign3 — Initial ideas for **‘Follow’**.

Follow in real life context,

Panel (1) : is like welcoming someone into your house also known as personal space.
Panel (2) : are like shadows, the more you follow, the bigger it gets.
Panel (3) : is like having cliques and getting engage with each other lives.

initialdesign4 — Initial ideas for ‘**Update’**.

Updates in real life context,

Panel (1) : is like the updates of prices in stores.
Panel (2) : is like pouring out thoughts from your head.
Panel (3) : is like opening up your heart to someone.

initialdesign5 — Initial ideas for **‘Un-follow/Block’**.

Un-follow/Block in real life context,

Panel (1) : is like winding down your window blinding so you don’t get distracted.
Panel (2) : is like locking up your personal diary.
Panel (3) : is like being left alone at home while your mum goes shopping.

initialdesign6 — Initial ideas for ‘Tag’.

Tags in real life context,

Panel (1) : are like brand name tags/labels attached onto your clothes.
Panel (2) : are like your personalized name tags at work/school.
Panel (3) : are like items tagged with sale. (Loud and clear!)

Of trying out,

Initialstyle2 — **Digital painting test-out –** Played with some textures and brushes too! Was trying to test out varies style in each panel so there’s a mix & slight differences in each panels. ( Hopefully, you can tell!)

Decided to illustrate using vector art as well to try out which way works the best. Attached below are some of my illustrated results referencing some different styles from my mood board:

With this, I decided to execute my ideas in the form of vector art as I personally felt that it looks more ‘complete’ and feels more digital which can better brings out my concept of bringing the context of social media (digital) to real life context (Paper). Additionally, I seek my sister’s view on this as well, she personally feels that the latter (vector art) works better aesthetically and conceptually if I’m going towards a clean look. Thus, I have decided to go with… vector art!

Sorry for the long-windedness but do check back for next post which I will be covering on the final pieces! ☺️

Project 2 – Point of view | RII

Hi, here are some quick updates after Monday’s sharing session! 🙂

Came across this “short film following behind the back of a paranoid, neurotic man named Terry as he wanders through the streets of Manhattan. Past memories and his irrational inner thoughts soon plague his every move. By channeling a form of mental time travel, he attempts to overcome these past anxieties.” – It’s interesting how this was filmed from a third person perspective, which really does incite a feeling of paranoia. The inner thoughts of this individual was also well executed as it makes me feels like I’m a part of his inner world.

Lastly, here are suggestions suggested during class on Monday’s sharing discussion,

(1) Consider what kind of fear you would like to convey, irrational fears or rational fears?

(2) The choice of medium used as it plays an important role to instill fear. For instance, color pencil might not convey this feelings of fear as effectively as water color etc.

(3) Consider playing with perspective? For instance, frying an egg, you might like to include the audience into the scenario by doing it in a first person point of view. This might actually instill some fear in the audience as they might think that they are actually in that scene!

(4) Consider the choice of paper and its gsm. A lower gsm paper might instill a different kind of fear,maybe? – Painting on toilet paper and making sure it doesn’t tear might portray a certain fear?

(5) Consider using photos to convey fear? or through exaggeration?

In the meantime, I’ve decided to look into irrational fear which is also known as phobia, which encompasses social phobias and other specific phobias of specific objects/environment. Now, back to sorting out some thoughts and thinking what I can proceed on from here. 🙂

Project 2 – Point of view | R

Hi, here’s some research done for project 2. Was inspired by this particular author (Fran Krause) who makes comics about irrational fears (Known as Deep dark fears), whereby people would submit an entry of their fear while he make a comic about it. I thought it was something reallyrealllly interesting (really like his work as his work conveys different irrational fears in a less intimidating but fun/engaging manner. Sometimes, while reading them, I find that most of these irrational fears tend to relate to me as an individual as well and I can’t help but to nod in agreement to most of them even though it’s irrational. Hahahaha! It’s definitely enjoyable to read them >:D ) .

Here are some of his works,

Here’s a few point of views that I thought of so far,

Fear from the point of view of the dead is cremation.
Fear from the point of view of a performer is audience.
Fear from the point of view of Courage is an enemy.
Fear from the point of view of me is a prison.
Fear from the point of view of a toilet paper is being stained.
Fear from the point of view of an eye is contact lens/sunlight.
Fear from the point of view of face is failed plastic surgery/distortion.
Fear from the point of view of an egg is frying pan.
Fear from the point of view of a child is shadows/mirrors/dentist.
Fear from the point of view of heart is death.
Fear from the point of view of skin is injection.
Fear from the point of view of darkness is light.
Fear from the point of view of an abused victim is a haunting ghost.
Sewing from the point of view of fear is surgery.

Meanwhile will brainstorm for more POVs!

Below are some inspirations that is interesting in terms of execution, other than these examples, we can also play with negative spaces and apply gestalt principles into our work.

gibbon_2400 — Thought this was an interesting use of representation by connecting the monkey with the roots of the tree to convey the idea that the lives of this wildlife animals is entwined with the trees.

plastic-01_aotw — Clever use of graphics to convey the message I thought. Explaining the main hidden heavy consequences behind all inconsiderate disposal of plastic and the reason why one should always consider before disposing any plastic.

wwf_rhino_day_2_aotw — Thought provoking advertisement!

wwf_rhino_day_3_aotw — Thought provoking advertisement!

To more updates! 🙂

Project 1 – Typographic Portraits | Final

Hi, here to update on the final post for ‘Project 1 – Typographic Portraits’, which is officially completed! 🙂

What I observe/find out : Blue collar jobs are often being classified as dead end jobs or underestimated in terms of knowledge and skills. But are they really what they seems to be? (Remember the scenario I shared in my previous post about purchasing fruits?)

Hence, I came up with..

Here’s some photos of Workkery. ( What are some perceptions forming in your mind right now?)

Hmmm, Dirty? Simple? Dull? Messy?- No worries, just jot them all down! Before I carry on, I would like you to jot down some perceptions that was formed in your mind when you saw the above image. And if I were to tell you that each of them represents a certain profession, can you roughly guess them?

Now, scroll down and reveal! 😀

So, basically..

Workkery is a series (of four) of ‘instant lottery scratch card inspired’ postcards designed in hoping to serve as a reminder – ‘to give everything a chance’. This idea was driven by the idea of ‘Skin/surface/packaging’. Sometimes, we are subconsciously influenced by the media or even by our own tendency to make quick judgement towards things based on the very first impression we received, which causes us to instill certain perception towards certain things which might not actually be the truth. So, let’s take time and give everything a chance, including yourself, to learn and seek for the unknown.

Decided to work on a mini game of lottery under the coated layer to identify it with the overall concept. Lottery is like a game of chance, hope, potential and entertainment (in most countries). Jobs on the other hand, are like lottery in a way such that, we don’t know what’s ahead but working towards it might sometimes surprise us. Similarity, I believe everyone is working towards a chance (a chance to buy a house/vehicle, a chance to further study, a chance to provide for their children and family etc.), in this case, for the blue collar workers as well. (Every opportunity is a chance isn’t it?) If i were to associate myself with my work, I would say, as a major in product design/industrial design, people often misinterpret (for instance, some might think that industrial designers design industrial buildings etc.) and categorized my profession under ‘dead end jobs’ too. Hence, let’s not make quick judgement but give everything, including yourself a chance to find out the unknown!

Without further ado, here’s the instruction printed as the back of each card.

collection1-02 — Some photos of the instructions printed behind the card as well as some close-up details shots.

In hoping people would take part in making an impact (by giving a chance) to the lives of the blue collar workers as well as making them feel less unwanted, I decided to drew up this concept of donating the winnings in four very different forms. (In this case, medical, Education, Transportation, Household – which are some very common forms every household faced. This four forms also showcase the chances, these workers are working towards.)

Outer : Painted dirty yellow for the top layer. (To be explained in WIP post.)

Using only the outline of an initial F (for Fiona), I tried to construct an architecture for it. I arranged and stacked them in repetitive order to create an outline which resembles the incomplete building at a working construction site, where scaffolding could be seen. It is stacked in orderly manner due to the profession’s systematic nature whereby everything have to be taken seriously as they could not afford any hazards/accidents to happen within their space. Using items they are often associated with, in this case, blueprints, I make use of the nature of blueprint to create this postcard design (Which describes the textured background effect as well).

Outer : Painted dirty green for the top layer. (To be explained in WIP post.)

For this particular piece, I played with types and initials of my name, in this case, Fiona. The types is carefully constructed to ensure that they connects to one another which resembles the function of the water pipes. (Which is to transport water.) However, making sure that water is being transported around a country is what makes it tedious whereby lots and lots of thinking is involved. Thus, I arranged the water pipe looking types in a way such that it eventually forms a shape of Singapore (on the map). This profession is probably one of the reason for us being ‘connected’ in a way. (Thus, I constructed my name among the maze of pipes, to convey the idea of me remaining ‘connected’ thankfully to this profession.

Outer : Painted dirty brown for the top layer. (To be explained in WIP post.)

What does miners do? – They mine! (Something that I thought too.) But in fact, they don’t just mine. They build tracks inside the mine, transport extracted materials within the mine and as well as to the surface too. Thus, using hexagons (which reminded me of honeycomb, whereby the bees goes all over, from flowers to flowers to gather nectar. Similarity, the miners goes around mining/picking to in hoping to extract some useful materials out of it, some rocks mine contains useful extracts while some doesn’t), I constructed a maze-like path way and linked the tracks to form my name. Some hexagon was deliberately illustrated with white outlines to illustrate the visibility at the mining site as well as probability of locating/extracting an useful material which is often uncertain.

Outer : Painted dirty orange for the top layer. (To be explained in WIP post.)

Using items this profession is often associated with, in this case, circuit boards, I make use of the nature of circuit board to create this particular postcard design (Which describes the textured background effect). Thus, colors such as yellow, blue, red, green and black are illustrated in the above design as they are colors commonly found in electrical wires. The colored boxes were grouped in a colored grouping as to emphasis on the job’s systematic nature. I placed a photo of my name pieced together using pvc pipes at the background to emphasis on the importance of this profession to my major, it’s basically what connects me and my major which requires a certain amount of knowledge in physics, yet it’s often not known.

FinalPhotos — Some photos of the printed postcard design.

Here’s a photo of my classmates after scratching off the ‘skin’ of Workkery. Thank y’all for participating in the class presentation demo as well as the lovely smiles (even though I force you guys to smile! HAHA :D) **– (Special thanks to : Left to Right: Jia Hui, Ziyaad, Leon and Zhou Hui. )**

In conclusion, I reallyreallllly enjoyed myself while doing this project even though I got stuck while brainstorming for the designs of my postcard. Despite of this, I am still satisfied with the outcome of it and I am truly happy having to witness people interacting with my postcards. It’s far more exciting than scratching the coating off by myself (Maybe it’s because I already know what’s inside..)

Guess lottery does gives people a moment of excitement till the final results is revealed. Therefore, let us all treat the unknowns in our lives as a game of lottery, take time and effort to slowly find out what it actually contains. Sometimes… you will be surprised! Another thing I would like you to take away from this presentation would be: the amount of effort/time applied = the amount of things you learnt (Similar to the action of scratching off the top layer off the card)!

Last but not least, thank y’all for your kind feed backs and it was really naiseee to see everyone’s work and learn along the way. I’m also glad that Professor Joy reminded us to cut down on 3D elements and only use it to enhance our work later, I feel that this pushes me to think further of how I would like it to be executed. If not, I would have probably end up relying too much on 3D elements to present my work! (PS: for being too wordy, hahaha!) 😀

Will be posting Workkery’s WIP (will be touching on choice of paper/colors/process etc.) after this post later on, do check back later!

(PS: To view the WIP work, simply click here)

Project 1 – Typographic Portraits | WIP

Hi, Below is a basic walk through of Workkery’s WIP!

After experimenting/researching on how to do my own DIY scratch layer and some other methods of executions (can be seen in my previous post). I decided that this method of execution (the scratchcard idea) conveys my message/concept most effectively.

Of doing process,

Some additional try-outs and brainstorming thoughts for final work.

My messy WIP in illustrator. (oops) — One of my AI file of messy WIP in illustrator. (oops)

Here are some slightly different WIP designs that I have done before choosing the final four to print. Designs are inspired by simple line-cons graphics and modern visuals to appeal to my audience as a ‘lottery’ game postcard as well as conveys my message in a more playful manner.

Of printing process,

Some of my paper selection process and try-outs.

Other try-outs results. Here are some zoom-in photos, you can see that these papers I have chosen comes with a textured/grudge effect which sort of fits my concept. — Some try-outs results. – Some zoom-in photos (clearer view of the texture on each paper) , you can see that these papers I have chosen comes with a textured/grunge effect which sort of fits my concept.

Would like to highlight this point I’ve missed during presentation (Thanks Professor Joy for pointing it out). I’ve picked papers that are more earthy and pastel like as it reflects a down-to-earth nature which can be identify with my concept, the blue collar jobs, which are generally professions that are more pragmatic. Some of these papers comes with a textured/grunge effect on them, which is a bonus point especially if my designs comes embedded with a textured background digitally as well (Which three of my designs are). Moreover, the additional effect of the paper simply brings out my design, as well as the textured background done digitally, which is a great bonus to have I thought! 😀

(Credits: All papers above are purchased from fancy paper.)

Of selection of colors for the layer of coat,

(1) Painted dirty yellow for card (1), as I feel that yellow is often perceived as the color for construction (In resemblance to the yellow boots wore by the workers.)

(2) Painted dirty green for card (2), as green is another color for sustainability as well as the environment which I find could be associated with this profession as water is part of the environment.

(3) Painted dirty brown for card (3), as brown is considered as one of those earthy colors and this profession is often associated with things that are brown colored in nature (For instance, rocks and soil etc).

(4) Painted dirty orange for card (4), as orange is an energetic color which symbolize energy which I find could be identify with this particular job.

I also added a bit of dark brown into each of the color to make it looks dirty. To further elaborate the concept, I create grunge effect on the layer of coat by stamping the layer of paint with another piece of paper while it is still wet.

Of coating process,

stepstomaking-01 — Here’s a walk through of my process of making the coat!

Some tips: After you’re done with the above. You may either paste a layer of transparent tape onto area whereby you would like to cover with the scratch layer or seek the other alternative, which is applying the layer of coat on a piece of contact paper cut out in the form or your desired shape then have it paste over the area you’d like to hide.

(Credits: Learnt this DIY through online videos and guidance.)

*You may watch the video below for better guidance on the process.

(PS: To view the final work, simply click here)

Lastly, thank you and feel free to feed back! 🙂

Project 1 – Typographic Portraits (RIII).

Hi, first of all, thanks Professor Joy for the refreshments provided for the class during each lessons, much appreciated! 🙂 Now, back to update on RIII – Second consultation!

After reading up on Henry Hargreaves’s inspiring projects, new ideas crossed my mind that night after asking myself several questions such as (1) What choice of medium can I use in better representation of my overall concept? (2) How can it tell a story? (3) Why?

Here’s a basic walk through of my ideas for my concept,

IDEA (1) & (2) – Playing with the idea of ‘Skin’

Why skin? Reason being, sometimes we tend to examine things/situations around us just through examining the surface. For instance, when buying fruits, we tend to avoid fruits with scratches/bruises and go for those that looks almost flawless. However, is it really the best? Maybe visually it is, but taste wise, it is definitely uncertain. Similarity, we tend to categorize professions subconsciously based on things we perceive it to be.

For idealization (1), I will be playing with the idea of ‘skin’, in this case – scratch cards/ instant lottery scratchcards. (Details will be further explain.)

Some experimental work for (1). – Look at the image on the left, can you tell what is it? (PS: the image on the right is only a guide if you really still can’t figure out.)

For this test out composition, can you roughly guess what profession I am trying to show? – I used complex lines as the composition background in representation of scaffolding which is often found at construction sites. Playing with alphabets from my name, I ‘constructed’ a ‘house’ with a ‘tree’ at the side. I believe you know what it is now!

For idealization (2), similarity, playing with the idea of ‘skin’, however, this time I will be playing be with ‘peel’ of a fruit/vegetable. Why fruit peel? I chose fruit peel as I find that they are often being neglected in a way, such as sometimes we tend to peel them off whenever we consume a fruit. In fact, this peels contains a lot of vitamins and health benefits or even other useful purposes that we didn’t know about. Hence I thought it will be good by trying to create something meaningful with these peels.

In this case, this piece above showcases the temporal aesthetics of ‘skin’. The condition of the banana skin oxides over a period of time, when being exposed to the air. Thus, showing that aesthetics is never forever, it shifts/changes over time.

IDEA (3) & (4) – Playing with the idea of ‘Contrast’

Why contrast? Depicting how often the ‘blue collar’ workers felt. – outcast and out of place at times.

For idealization (3), playing with the idea of ‘Contrast’, I experimented some compositions and photographed them.

For this experimental work, can you roughly guess what profession I am trying to show? – I start by jotting down a few obvious keywords that is associated with this particular profession. (Keywords like: darkness, limited, trapped, dangerous.) before laying out the compositions and photographing them. On the left, is what it seems like a microscopic view. Whereas, the photo on the right is what it seems like a narrow long pathway inside a tunnel with words scattered all over the tunnel.

For idealization (4), similarity, playing with the idea of ‘Contrast’, I experimented some compositions using materials that is often found associated with the chosen profession and compose them so that it roughly describes their profession. Then, I carefully documented it by photographing the composition test-outs!

For the above composition test-outs, can you roughly guess what profession I am trying to show? – I start by jotting down a few obvious keywords that is associated with this particular profession. (Keywords like: mending wires, complexity and dangerous.) before laying out the compositions (Thought that the complexity can be further exaggerated). I tried playing with the orientation of the PVC pipes as well. In conclusion, the orientation of the pipes does change the mood of the composition and the message being portrayed.

Lastly, here are suggestions professor Joy suggested that I could also look at,

(1) Look at what lottery scratchcards means in different countries (For instance, in Taiwan, it serves as a kind of entertainment/chance).

(2) Look into the action ‘Scratch’, the objects that were used to scratch and the marks being left behind after scratching (can try with different types of papers).

(3) Behind content? – How do your audience know that it’s for scratching? Is there any form of instruction? At the back maybe? (Like shopping vouchers, they usually comes with terms & conditions located at the bottom or at the back of the voucher). How you would like to present it?

(4) Look into the difference between ‘overlook’ and ‘not wanting to’. (For instance, you may want to consider peeling off the fruit skin as an act of not wanting to?)

Till next update, WIP! 🙂

Project 1 – Typographic Portraits (RII).

Hi, here’s a brief update on the first consultation with Professor on the given project. (Sorry for the late update on oss!)

Following up on the previous research, I have decided to focus on professions that lies under ‘blue collar jobs‘. These jobs often involves manual labor and after doing some research, I have found out that they are jobs that are often underestimated in terms of required skills/knowledge and they’re often known as ‘dead end jobs’. – Which has created a stigma in our society. Without diversification in this society, there would be plenty of jobs that people won’t do. Thus, I would like to work on this subject matter, to remind each of us to think again, as sometimes what we’ve perceive might not actually be true, isn’t it?

After consulting Professor, below are some possible suggestions to work on..

(1) Cut down on using 3d elements. 3D elements however,can be used later on to enhance your work. (To imagine yourself being an editor for magazine where your work will be placed in a magazine and how would it be wise.)

(2) Look into different scales, perspective and content as it tells a different story.

(3) Consider looking into what each professions usually wears as well as some of the material/things that are usually overlooked (Plastic bags etc.)

(4) Think of how I would like to convey my message.

02 | RESEARCH

Thus, I continued with my research to rethink of how I would like to convey my message/idea which leads me to..

Henry Hargreaves’s work which reallyrealllly inspires me! It forces me to think deeper, for instance, the way I would like to convey my message? The reason behind every action taken in my work. Any other way of representing them? (Which leads me to RIII of Typographic Portraits!)

Below are my favorite three projects by him/in collaboration with others,

(1) Deep Fried Gadgets

Henryhengreaves-01a — “This is a commentary about the similarities between tech culture and fast food. Quickly devoured and then discarded because of our appetite for the newest product.”

“Electronics have become almost a holy device, the way a new apple device sends people out of their minds. But as soon as the next model comes out the last is immediately forgotten.”

My thoughts: Love the usage of using food to relate to social technology. – Like fast food, gadgets are nice to look at yet long term usage/intake can cause negative effects on us. Similarity, it’s all about your discipline and resistance towards temptations, isn’t it? – If not, be prepared to get DEEP FRIED!

(2) The Curious Consumer

Henryhengreaves-01b — “This series follows my look at food products and how they are presented to us. Too often we don’t ask why something is the way it is.”

“After recently hearing a health professional refer to soda as “the cigarettes of our generation,” I decided to do an experiment to show what’s in soft drinks after the water is boiled away — in other words, dehydrating the hydrator. Once boiled, I took each remaining substance and poured it into a lollipop mold. After all, I figure that’s what you’re essentially getting: candy in costume as a soft drink.”

(-Behind the scenes for The Curious Consumer.)

(3) Pinata

Henryhengreaves-02b — “We disguised pork products to look like yummy candies instead. The initial result was colorful and almost happy, but after destruction became a dark, gory mess.”

“Most of Americans have a sugar coated sense of where their meat comes from and under what conditions it is raised and slaughtered. And Congress recently passed legislation to keep us even more in the dark—no longer do suppliers have to label where the meat comes from at all. We are blindly content, like a party-goer swinging at a piñata which, in and of itself, is a strange game. We blindly beat a papier-mache animal until it explodes in… candy…”

My thoughts: I just love how he disguised those pork products in candy form! -Thought that this is really a cool and smart idea to portray the idea of being sugar-coated.

(-Behind the scenes for Pinata.)

Lastly, will be back to update on my next post, Project 1 – Typographic Portraits (RIII) after reunion dinner! In the meantime, happy cny! :B

Hello, my name is –

Hello, my name is Fiona –

Below are my name tags designed based on three different approaches. This task make me think beyond how we would usually introduce/promote our self as an individual which I find it really effective in pushing our ideas as it opens us up to more possible alternatives that are actually available for us to brainstorm, even for a normal introduction of oneself.

(1) Typographic

While designing, I realized that my typographic ideas were slowly becoming a logo as I tried to simplify my ideas which was later told by Professor that a logo can be a type too (Logotype). I begins to see images of items/animals in my design (Which I can associate myself with) which eventually leads to my finalize design.

p1-01 — Idealization sketches & test outs. The test-outs (playing with cuts etc.) makes me realized the power of inversions which can leads to many surprises. – f = A or even a icon of a pencil. ^

fiona-01 — Click to identify the letters hidden.

I presented myself with a lowercase ‘f’ as it’s less rigid and showcases nice smooth curves and a vernier caliper look alike which can be linked with my characteristic, being diplomatic as well as my product design major. The ‘f’ was then further developed to provide a surprise element to the design. As you flipped the ‘f’ over, it will reveals 2 inverted ‘f’s which also means an ‘A’.(which I am quite surprised with when I was trying out.) Eventually an ‘i’ which is hidden among the inverted ‘f’s will surface. Last but not least …try looking at the design as a whole, you will soon discover …ME! (A lady with a smiley.)

(2) Abstract

While designing for this area, I jot down key points which describes me. – Simply being: (1) Distracted easily. (2) Having lots of things going on in my head. (3) Likes to try, as I think that most things can be resolved in some way. Without trying, you will never know. (4) Quirky ideas at times.

Following the keywords, I illustrated a quirky illustration of a ‘brain‘ with wavy strokes and filled it with colored strokes in 3 different colors to illustrate the varieties of things happening at once. – Whereby red symbolizes energy, yellow symbolizes positive and optimistic and lastly, blue symbolizes faith. Some colored strokes was purposely drew out of the brain to communicate the idea of ‘trying’ and overcoming barriers.

(3) Conceptual

While designing for this area, I decided to explore on flexibility (Something stretchable) , adaptable (Transformation?) and laziness (wobbly) which eventually leads me to having the idea of doing paper folds!

FullSizeRender (7) — Idealization sketches & test outs.

Following the keywords, I illustrated a illustration of me with changeable pair of legs which is supposed to be folded up like steps. This magical pair of legs switches from sitting to standing posture. It also changes in length which changes my character’s height which showcases adaptability and flexibility. Brown grain paper was used to symbolizes my personality as an individual as well.

Lastly, this is a really fun activity though it’s really difficult during the first few hours of the idealization but it was really refreshing in terms of the approach!

Project 1 – Typographic Portraits (R).

Through class presentations and lessons, I realized that typography is often used as an expression/tool to communicate messages across more efficiently, as one could save up a lot of shots/costs through using creative typography than communicating the whole idea by itself. Moreover, it’s ‘attractive’ & catchy which can easily catch your audiences’ attention more efficiently! There’s certainly more to typography than just being words.

**Rhythm on wires** – is basically using metal wires to construct letters which was later connected to digital sources to make rhythms. The tone/sound of the rhythms is fully dependent on how the letters are constructed.

Rizon Parein’s advertisement designed in three dimensional form specially for Nike footwear series. (It lights up. However, he decided to keep the lights off as it is better presented like this.)

Portraits of famous football celebrities constructed using wires and tubes.

I find wires expressive in general as they allows you to create your own forms/shapes just like how pencil and paper works. Moreover, the beauty of wire is often neglected, just like how wrappers/straws etc are hence this is definitely good as it showcases the ability of creating art through wires and at the same time, add flavors to them which shines them under a different light. In the meantime, will look up on jobs that are often neglected and try to further explore and inject different kind mediums during this idealization work.

Additional notes – ( Note (1) – electric wires are often coated with a colored tubing for different functionalities and used in different jobs and environments.)

Other possibilities,

Beauty in simple forms. – really amazing shadow arts which depends heavily not just on the wires but the angle/direction where the light is being cast.

Expectations ≠ Reality

new1 — Happened to come across this work online, an interesting piece by Anon Pairot for this year’s Art Stage. Though, I’m scared of cockroaches but this piece of work evokes a different emotion when I first come across it, I won’t have believed my eyes that it’s cockroaches till I zoomed into the image! Hahahaha, thought that it would be nice to share this!

In summary, I also looked up on Red hongyi’s work (reallyrealllly amazing work!) as recommended by Professor to look at. She experiments on all sorts of medium -ranges from cosmetics, food, chopsticks etc. Was really amazed by her shadow art and food art particularly where she deconstruct the fruits/veggies and laid them out in a way that they form an animal in an abstract manner..really gooooooood. Now, back to work and sorting out thoughts, hmmmm.