Visual Communication: Studio Brief 1 - Sound Maps and Initial Ideas

Mind Map
Iterating some of the points I made in my initial briefing post, I wanted to start with a handy mind map just to get some ideas down of instruments used, feelings I have when listening to the songs, imagery that appears in my mind, comments on the tempo, tone, ornamentation, repeated motifs, instruments, arrangements, etc. Mind maps are always a good starting point for me just to build on from simple notes and add more arrows and ideas as they come.

Sound Maps

From the previous module, I found sound maps to be very effective when turning sound into visual representations. Already I am able to see clear differences in the shapes and marks I have used to describe the tone, pace, key and overall feeling in the song. These shapes and marks can be used to create initial character designs!

•  The Lark Ascending has grand, sweeping gestures, intricate swirls representing the high notes, graceful wide shapes, ornamentation of wind and string instruments. I'm thinking of natural, graceful characters with long limbs and charming features. Purposely used a soft pencil, on its side, to capture the softness of the song and the atmosphere it creates.

 • Together (Instrumental) shows a series of repetitive gestures and motions alluding to the electronic, computer-driven sounds that are repeated throughout the song. There is a fluidity alongside a geometric pattern

• Waterfall has angular, jagged, unusual and weird shapes making reference to the strangeness of this jazz piece; ranging from high to low notes at random points in the song, warm and comforting feelings to sad and lonely notes from the deep saxophone. There is an organic, jungle-esque feeling with tribal, aztec shapes and motifs appearing.

Initial Ideas

From the shapes and forms in the mind maps I have made a very abstract start on some characters' outlines. I need to keep pushing and iterating as I feel quite uncertain at this stage of where this is going to go... I am not someone who can whack out 20 characters with no thought at all. I need to consider what my intention is with my chosen song of Waterfall by Weather Report. Do I want to capture the strangeness? The unique atmosphere it creates? The jungle-esque mental imagery? Jazz Jungle?! Do I just want to portray jazz for jazz's sake? Jazz is cool!