Message Delivered.
Task 9:
For this week's challenge, we've been asked to express an emotion about our city or location. Then we've got to turn that emotion into a material, form, or medium – whether it's 2D, Digital, 3D or Immersive. We can express the word directly or create a juxtaposition with conflict or tension (New York is Tense, for example). I decided to take a personal touch and choose an emotion I feel as an international student studying abroad. I'm originally from Saudi Arabia, but I've lived in Oxford for almost five years, so I chose "homesick" as my emotion and word.
Learning objectives:
Analyse and reflect upon how a message can be enhanced through the medium in which it is implemented.
Communicate an emotion I perceive my city or location is about.
Imagine and create a material response to how I communicate that emotion in material form.
Document and communicate my working process in my blog.
Participate in and reflect upon debate on the ideas wall.
Emotion: Homesick
What is homesickness?
Homesickness is the feeling you have when you are far away from your home and family. I was homesick, but I didn't realize it at the time. It's common for international students to feel homesick, but how it manifests differs for everyone. I wanted to express my feelings through traditional arts and make a 3D representation of my chosen word, but I had to pack all my art supplies because of my move. So I decided to try 3D Digital art and learn the new technique of Adobe Illustrator.
My concept is broken down into three parts. First, my chosen colour theme serves as a counterpoint to my emotions. I chose yellow, a colour associated with joy and happy images. However, I used it to communicate the opposite meaning. Second, I decided on an iPhone screen to represent how homesickness works. Communication happens primarily through this device when I am away from home. Third, I assigned a different interpretation to every letter of the word "homesick". I created associations around each letter, for example, "sHy" for H and "alOne" for O. Along with each word, I added line art drawings to illustrate their literal meaning and personal meaning further. My goal was to define the term homesickness in a dictionary sense as well as through my own creative approach.
Initial Ideas + brainstorming process:
Failed design ideas:
"It's only when you risk failure that you discover things. When you play it safe, you're not expressing the utmost of your human experience."
― Lupita Nyong'o
I've learned a valuable life lesson along the way, and it's this: "Failures are a great way to learn." I've tried many different things in my time as a designer, and while some weren't as successful as I'd hoped, I've come to believe that failure is the key to success. In fact, my failures have only made me stronger in my faith. Each failure has taught me something new, shaped my artistic journey, and brought me closer to finding the perfect way to capture my emotions. I don't see failure as a failure but as an opportunity. Looking back on it, I had to rearrange my plan a few times. I started with digital textured materials, scrambled the lettering, and changed the colour from orange to violet to yellow.
Making something but not using it isn't a waste of time; it's a gain. When I made the following emojis faces, I loved them and wanted to use them. But I knew they were going to take away from the chosen word. So I had to rethink my plan and develop a new approach. This flexibility has allowed me to approach things differently and broaden my creative range. It's been an artistic journey that has expanded my innovative range. Every setback has strengthened my resolve and resilience and taught me new skills.
Designing Process:
Successful Designs:
Case study:
I learned much from listening to Sam Winston and Susanna Edwards' "Form and Function in Design" podcast. Their discussion of this topic helped me to gain a better understanding of how design concepts are put into practice and the importance of visual form in communication, and how it relates to functional purpose. This knowledge has helped me to improve my design skills as well as my decision-making skills so that I can create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also effectively serve their purpose.
Contextual Research:
This book has taught me a lot about graphic design. I've learned more about the elements that can be used strategically to captivate and engage audiences and the creative mind and problem-solving skills that come with using wit in visual communication. The book's thoughtful analysis and examples have opened my eyes to the possibilities of using humour in different design projects. It's made me want to think differently and find new ways to use it in my work. Overall, I'd say "Smile in the Mind" has opened up a whole new world of knowledge and understanding about graphic design and how wit fits into it.
I am absolutely amazed by Austria Solar's innovative approach to showcasing their dedication to solar energy. Their idea to create the first-ever sun-powered annual report is genuinely remarkable. The fact that the report remains hidden until sunlight directly hits its pages, revealing its content, is a creative and captivating concept. Titled "The Solar Annual Report 2011 - powered by the Sun," this publication emphasizes Austria Solar's remarkable achievements and endeavours in the solar energy sector. Seeing such a unique and forward-thinking approach to promoting renewable energy is incredible.
Reflection:
This week's challenge has been a valuable learning experience, teaching me numerous lessons. However, the most significant lesson I've taken away from it is the importance of perseverance and determination. Despite designing and failing and designing and failing again, I've learned never to give up and to keep pushing forward. This mindset has allowed me to get back up each time and continue designing. I am thrilled with the outcome of my efforts because it turned out exactly as I had envisioned in my sketches and even exceeded my expectations. I'm truly proud of what I have achieved through my persistent efforts.
