Object as image. Illustration is 'strategic image-making used within the context of visual communication to convey an idea'. Drawing and painting are only one aspect of communicating pictures.
• Can costume be illustration?
• Can model making be illustration?
Can performance be illustration?
Can art direction be illustration?
Can visual merchandising be illustration?
• Can set design be illustration?
I believe they all can be. There is still an element of vision and craftsmanship. It doesn't matter as long as it's an image and it tells a story... Photography can become another tool at my disposal used to capture my ideas within a frame. Along with photography, craft and making are essential. How can craft imbue new meaning into materials in order to function as components of a piece of illustration?
Favourite Presentation Pieces:
Polly Becker
This is so charming! From what I can gather, it shows a family made up of their favourite objects or objects that represent them, along with their face. Cameras, a xylophone and a tiny violin for the children - representing youthful, innocent fun through music and exploration. Coloured thread and a needle for the mother, a quintessential and stereotypical pastime using feminine doll legs in a dainty pose, and the dad with his hammer showing the strength in his arms. Men do DIY and are strong! The simple background against the mountain of objects works particularly well and I like the idea of using found or treasured objects. This could be something to consider in my own 3D illustration?
Jean Jullien
I feel that this is so clever - turning 2D illustrations into 3D objects just from cutting and folding a few key body parts! The elongated limbs are quirky and charming, adding a sense of personality to these odd-balls, and their colours are fun and vibrant! Paper cut is such a simple but successful technique in its form and functionality, giving a sense of craftsmanship and the hand-made, and is something I am slowly falling in love with. I'm even considering using it in my Visual Narratives picture book!
Owen Gildersleeve
Paper cut again, adding a sense of simple but bold colour, shape and movement. This truly looks like a box of tricks or a present that flourishes when opened! The central composition, with the tablet device, turned slightly on its' side adds an element of the off-beat and the unconventional.
Christmas Task: 3D Illustration
Where do I take my photo? How do I take my photo? I need to consider quality of camera, lighting, arrangement and composition. I have a very good camera which I got for Christmas last year, a Canon DSLR 1200D with a few different lenses, and a Daylight lamp which emits bright white light that I used to do my illustrative work. I want to be able to incorporate a big sense of crafting and a labour of love.
How do I achieve this? Paper cut is a good option, as seen from the presentation examples, but crafting makes me think of felting, needlework... I knit and crochet so this could be an option? I don't have a big stash of colours anymore so will need to stock up. I could crochet the 'mutant' features and stick them onto myself for the final piece?
Initial thoughts and ideas:
• Myself as an alien? Tentacles? Spots? Pizza monster?
• Myself with exaggerated features? Big lips? Crazy hair?
• A silly hat? A mustache? BEARD? I have always wanted a big, ginger beard like a viking!
Inspiration:
• I'm not the biggest fan of Drake (actually, I dislike him. A lot. Seriously, what is he saying in his songs? All the words blur into one mashed-up sentence? He sounds half-assed? Where is the emotion? WHAT IS GOING ON?). However, I do like this album cover and remember it popping up everywhere a few years ago. A simple painted side-profile against a cloudy background is simple and memorable, easy to identify through a tiny thumbnail. It reminds me of the old Windows wallpaper... Nostalgia! Looking back to the past?
• With it being the festive season, I make it a ritual to watch A Muppet's Christmas Carol at least 4 times. My favourite character has to be the Ghost of Christmas Present - "come closer, and get to know me better, man!" He is so jolly, full of love and admiration for life and is everything I aspire to be in personality and approachability. Plus, his beard is awesome!! He will be my influence during this project.
...And many outtakes!
Successes:
• A really fun and playful idea driven by my love of crating and the hand-made.
• Referencing a successful album and film gives a sense of nostalgia and consideration of ideas that have worked in the past.
• Taking many shots at different heights, angles and locations in my room - not just settling for the first shot. Going through, refining and selecting the most successful image that works well within the frame.
• Building a make-shift lighting and tripod unit using my office chair balanced on my bed with my Daylight lamp sitting on the seat, my camera attached with tape underneath the lamp. How's that for crafting?!
What could be improved?
• Using a tripod! If I had more time I would certainly retake this again... (I initially wanted to book out a tripod the day before we go back after Christmas break... but I have so much Visual Narratives work to do!)
• The colours didn't come out exactly as they were away from the lens, which may have a lot to do with the white balance. As I can't see to read the information on the screen, I just use the Creative Auto setting which automatically adjusts the lighting, white balance, flash, etc. depending on the situation. I may need to learn more about my DSLR and the number of times I need to press a certain button or option to change the settings... which will prove difficult to remember everything!
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