Foundations 0.2

Assignment
How an object is represented is critical to how it is packaged, promoted and distributed. The intent of this exercise is to develop the optimal graphic strategy for representing your object in a way that highlights its unique qualities, its assets and it's potential uses.

Submit one 11x17 'print'.

The topic is continued from project one: 'stamp'

Process
Brainstorming
Like the last project, I started by getting more specific within the term 'stamp'. I looked at different types of stamps and decided to focus on a stamp of approval as opposed to a stamp that said confidential or received because I like how the term stamp of approval is used inside and outside the genre of 'printed media' and allows for greater diversity in conceptual exploration.

Representation
The concepts of voice and censorship become important when you think about approval. Particularly in relation to public printed media. I started to think about how a newspaper editor might use a stamp of approval while they are editing copy. I also thought about ways to represent censorship, voice and approval. A few ideas that came to me included: scribbling out words, white-ing out type, cutting out facts, pasting in new information, erasing, and highlighting.

I also wanted to represent a stamp of approval as a powerful act of consent. The motion of pounding a stamp onto an object and leaving behind a big red 'approved', is a strong message of validation. On top of the articles, I pasted a giant image of a stamp, and the word 'approved'. This added a weight to the composition that mimicked the weight of a stamp hitting the paper.

Alternate Version

Critique
To make my project seem like a newspaper advertisement, I tried to flatten the final product by photocopying it. I did this on a black and white photocopier because most advertisements in a newspaper are in black and white. In the end, however, I think the color version is more successful because the word approved stands out more. Also the highlighting is lost in the black and white version.

Foundations 0.1

Assignment

Identify your object of choice from the assigned category. Make a 4x6 postcard on heavier paper stock expressing your reflection/analysis of the object. Release your creativity! Let the postcard 'breathe' the essence/style of the selection. Use this assignment to highlight the image that best captures the essence of the object. In the 4x6 space, what view of perspective will give a recipient of this postcard the best first impression of your object?

I was assigned the category 'printed media'. From this category, the object I chose to study was a 'stamp'. Narrowing down my focus, I wanted my postcard to convey the process of stamping

Process

Choosing an Object

After defining the terms 'printed media' on its multiple forms, I began to brainstorm the basic elements of printed media: printing presses, stamps, ink, and paper. I decided the term would be best represented by mimicking the process of a printing press or a stamp.

Design

To do this, I cut my postcard into four pieces. I then doodled with ink on one piece and pressed it into the remaining three. I chose to use black ink on white paper so that the emphasis remained on the fading effects of stamping rather than the distraction of a color. Also, when I think of a printing press or a stamp, I think of the black ink and plain paper of a newspaper.

Critique

I think the final product communicates the message with clarity and is aesthetically captivating at the same time. I believe that my postcard was successful in capturing the essence of printed media, stamping, and print making.

Inspiration 9/13

Mesmerizing

I love staring at these exploding/imploding forms. 

I keep wondering where they came from, what caused them, what's inside of them? They are in opposition but fit together well; One is dusty and dry while the other seems damp. Each photograph captures both a heaviness and a lightness.

Photos by Saga Sig at Never Ending Story