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Experimental CommunicationBy Amy PapworthStudent Number: 21238915

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Contents

Letter Destruction Page 5

Alien Illustration Page 6

Image Projecting Page 15

Icon, Index and Symbol Page 16

Type as 3D Text Page 22

Final Evaluation Page 24

Bibliography Page 25

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From clockwise starting at top left; examples of N after the destruction process, the N photographed outside after creation, video on Vimeo of the destruction process.

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Letter Destruction

BriefThe objective was to create and record the destruction of a given letter of the alphabet.

MethodologiesThe process started by creating a net of the letter on paper, which upon proving successful was then used with thin black card. As the glue proved to be problematic for the new thicker material, selotape was used to bind the structure. Given the limited time frame, a simpler process of destruction was more appropriate. The video of the washing up process is on Vimeo and can be found at https://vimeo.com/141879906

EvaluationThis task taught the value of working to tight deadlines. There was only two weeks for the process to be completed and documented. However, the final outcome was highly successful, and feedback suggested the washing up process was an original idea. If there had been more time given for this task, it may have been beneficial to try to make the letter without using tape, as it detracts from the overall appearance of the piece.

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Alien Illustration

BriefThe task to create a minimum of 50 quick sketches or illustrations based on the theme of outer space, inspired by Illustrator Jon Burgerman. These illustrations were then to be put through After Effects, to create a small animation and experimented with in different mediums.

MethodologiesThe process started with researching Jon Burgerman and his style of drawing. In addition, looking at a book called ‘A-Z of Visual Ideas’1 to draw inspiration from. Following this, there was a limited time frame in which to create the 50 illustrations, so this took priority over researching ideas and artists. After a week of work, 60 sketches were produced and scanned and edited in Photoshop. At this stage it was important to learn how to edit it out grey markings from the ink or pencil, leaving clean black and white illustrations- this turned out to be a simple matter of editing the levels in Photoshop. The images were then put into After Effects, and with help from Mark, three versions of the animation (all at different stages of development) are on Vimeo, and can be found at https://vimeo.com/home/myvideos or https://vimeo.com/150835170

‘Upset monster’ 1of the 60 illlustrations

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Mind Map of research and initial inspirations on illustrator Jon Burgerman

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The 60 illustrations produced

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Clockwise from top left: examples of stencils two which went well and two that did not, successful screen prints, over crowded screen prints, laser cuts.

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Once the animation was complete, the brief allowed for a certain level of experimentation within the print studio. There are stencil prints, screen prints and lino cuts all of which varied in quality depending on previous experience with each method. The stencil took a little longer to understand how much ink should be applied, resulting in a mix of clean and slightly blotchy prints. Equally with the screen prints, whilst layering the prints may have initially seemed a good idea, the less crowded print are not only more visually please, but also the variation in colour came through more favourably.

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EvaluationThis task proved surprising as the illustration went more favourably than anticipated, sketching had originally held little appeal. Whilst there were problems during the printing process these were quickly identified and resolved. The biggest obstacle was learning and understanding the animation process, as the rendering process took longer than expected. Whilst editing the images and compiling into a montage wasn’t difficult, it was very time consuming, 60 images which all needed a lot of attention to detail. Whilst this task allowed for a lot of creativity, it also had some very lengthy processes. Finding inspiration for the characters and settings was easier than expected, as this style of artwork is quite easy to find- especially in London. Whilst drawing without colour initially seemed to be quite limiting, this limitation forces more concentration on the creativity of each drawing, which is arguably why the standard of the class’s outcomes was higher than previous years.

Initial experiment piece of artwork, with separate characters to those chosen in the final 60.

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A series of images taken during both the photography studio and outdoor experiments.

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Image Projection

BriefIn groups, to produce images from projecting artwork on to external surfaces.

MethodologiesThe group consisted of Laura, Chris and James which was fortunate as each were very strong contributors to the project. Initially, the class started by projecting in the photography studio, learning how to operate the projectors and which images worked best.The group met at my house, where every team member projected images onto the facing houses and surrounding surfaces. Each member took turn at the different activities, (excluding James who owned the DSLR camera) from holding the projector to finding and uploading images to the computer, to taking photos on phones. Following this, James produced a video including some of the artwork used, which can be found on vimeo at https://vimeo.com/150525130Unfortunately, on the day of the shoot it rained constantly, which meant the full range of surrounding buildings couldn’t be utilised.

ReflectionThe group worked well together, and produced a large array of interesting images. The task enabled everyone to learn something knew, as no one had worked with projectors before. This level playing field meant everyone worked at a similar pace and the dynamic was highly successful. It was very quickly apparent that what works well in a photography studio, may not work well where there is little control over lighting. This project was in some ways

Clockwise from left: Chris, James and Laura

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Icon, Index and Symbol

BriefTo explore the subject of semiotics, and produce a range of icons, indexicals marks and symbols to be printed and then lino cut.

MethodologiesThe project started with talk from Brian on semiotics which would lead to self determined outcomes. The first objective was to start creating icons, indexical marks and symbols so to determine a full understanding of the subject. Once the subject was fully understood, it was easy to apply to many objects or even ideas and after plenty of practice there seemed to be enough ideas to start with.After further research of the subject and consultation of the book ‘How to have Kick Ass Ideas’2 it was soon clear that this task would need more parameters than those given. The book suggested thinking back to your childhood for inspiration, and the Jungle Book seemed an appropriately vast subject with enough ideas and characters to fully explore through symbols.

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Jungle Book mono print and laser cuts

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Once a full range of symbols had been created, there was the opportunity to reach out into different mediums, starting with laser cutting. This was a new piece of equipment, and very beneficial to learn.

The laser cuts allowed for mono printing, which was also a new exercise and created mixed results. The first lesson was that very thin lines are neither effective in laser cutting or printing techniques, and as is visible from the images. However this did also leave some great successes, such as Mowgli’s hair which feedback suggested was very recognisable. Consequently, these more successful images seemed appropriate icons to take back to the laser cutter for more simple images.

Sketches from sketchbook experimenting with icons, symbol and indexical markings. Above, enlarged look at “fire”

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Evaluation

This task was definitely enhanced by the ability to have some control over the direction of the project. To make it more personal, such as a favourite childhood story or film which made the icons easier to come up with as there was a general theme. One of the harder parts was attention to detail, where on some tasks, such as mono printing type, a lack of thinking carefully and rushing meant that the initial outcome didn’t turn out as hoped. This was also a very rewarding task as it was the first time in three years that the subject of semiotics was fully understood, and demonstrated in sketchbooks.

Further scans from sketchbook, above, enlarged scan of “tea”

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From far left, laser cut of created images, mono print experiments, mono printing with type mistake and amended version.

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Type as 3D text

BriefTo transform a typography rule into 3D text

MethodologiesUnfortunately missing this session -due to being at Offset- progress on this task was not as high as other tasks. After research, a rule on leading seemed an good choice to

make in Cinema4D, and would be feasible in a week. The rendering process didn’t take long, although due to a lack of concentration (and consequently a spelling mistake) meant revisiting the project.

EvaluationThis was a very short project, and whilst missing the session did impact the quality of the outcomes, it was pleasing to find that skills learnt from class and books such as ‘MAXON CINEMA 4D R16 Studio: A Tutorial Approach’3 meant that the outcomes are representative of the type rule, even if revisiting was necessary to edit spelling mistakes

Outcomes, both initial and amended versions.

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Posters made from notes taken at Offset, including the offset wrist band. Each poster has at least 36 pages of notes.

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Module Evaluation

Overall, I am pleased with the outcomes of this module. I have learnt new skills (such as laser cutting, mono printing, 3D text etc.) which I will now be able to take through to next semester.

The greatest challenge has been completing some of these tasks within a short time frame, this has require a high level of focus and determination which has not always come easily, especially with two other modules. For example, the Type Rules task was especially difficult as I was at Offset -a design convention- for two days, meaning I missed the session. This had a visible impact upon the work produced, but I was both pleased and surprised I was still able to fulfil the brief.

In addition, I have also learnt the importance of re-visiting work, even if you thought there was nothing wrong with it. For instance the Type Rules project, where I spelt ‘ignore’ wrong, was only apparent to me when I looked back at my work to check it. I also learnt the value of patience, as my mono type took a few attempts to correctly write and face all the letters backwards so the print would come out successfully.

The most enjoyable task was the 50 Sketches/Alien animation task. This forced me to explore illustration, a topic which I originally had seen no interest in, and then to create and animation, also something I was not sure how to do. Whilst the brief itself was daunting, the outcomes surpassed what I thought I was capable of, and I was surprised to see that I really liked the illustrations I had made.

Overall this has been a successful module in terms of personal development and has given me skills I hope to use in the future.

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Bibliography

1) Ingledew, J. (2014) The A-Z of Visual Ideas, London:Laurence King

2) Barez-Brown C., (2006) How to have Kick Ass Ideas HarperElement

3) Tickoo, S. (2015) MAXON CINEMA 4D R16 Studio: A Tutorial Approach: CADCIM Technologies