alleeming

[alleeming]

Negotiated Study - Evaluation

Across the board, I’m happy with my outcomes for each of the briefs I’ve undertaken. 

The Noise brief was somewhat of a new venture, a different style of brief with no specific end goal, which at first is a little daunting. But as I immersed myself in the brief it became quite exhilarating, exciting. Having no restrictions on your output really does open possibilities. I found my initial development ideas were quite limited – I’d got it in my head I was going to produce a poster, something that emulated designers that I hold in high regard. It didn’t take long to realise that this really wasn’t me – didn’t look like something that was what I’d normally produce. Once I’d rid myself of the constraints of making a poster and let the experience of the journey, the visuals, the sounds, guide me, then the visuals began to take form and I became happy with what I was developing. The outcome I feel is an accurate representation of my interpretation of the journey.

The Noise brief is very much an abstract brief with the intention of triggering some lateral and creative thinking and it really achieved that. I do now look at things differently as a result. I wish I’d done this years ago!

The To Kill a Mockingbird Brief was, to begin with quite challenging. I of course began by reading the book and making a thumbnail image every time an appropriate image was formed.  With this book it is very difficult to disassociate these images with that of a Mockingbird – a symbol that appears in nearly all iterations of the cover for the book. But, sometimes the titles of the novels are connected in a symbolic way with the meaning, so you can’t ignore them. So where initially I tried to avoid any bird reference, in the end I felt it was more appropriate to just embrace it.

My initial concept that I began to mock up, turned out to be untenable. I was set on taking a very powerful scene from the book and translating it to a single image. The concept I had in my head just wouldn’t translate – it just didn’t have the gravitas, the impact that the scene has in the book. As a result, I was very unhappy with how it was developing, so I left it, moved on.

Going back to my thumbnail ideas with a more open mind was when the final concept idea really did start to take form in my mind. I was able to visualise what I want to achieve, so I ran with it. I opted for screen-printing, as this felt appropriate for the story. Digital would be too hard, too clean. I’m in no way an illustrator, so that wasn’t an option. Screen-printing just seemed to be the right move. What was a challenge was the level of detail I wanted to put into the image of the trees, so that took some practice getting right, but was worth it in the end. It also took a bit of experimentation to get the colour palette right – but in the end, I feel the colours are a good representation of a post depression, southern state, American dustbowl town.

Although I have opted for retaining a Mockingbird image, I feel I’ve left it open to interpretation, arousing curiosity about what the text is about and evokes the same feelings when reading the book as when looking at it. As for the main typeface, although I was advised against using art deco inspired type, I feel the outcome justifies it’s use, it works when in theory it probably shouldn’t. Much of my decision was based around the sequel cover design that carries the same typeface – I felt it important that there is a visual continuity between the two books – something that was done with the American releases.

The In Cold Blood brief I found very accessible. I went through the process of reading the book, making thumbnail sketches, but I had two very clear ideas from very early on. My initial idea, as it turned out following my research, had already been done – frustrating, Yes. But it’s good to know I was on the right track. The second idea, and what became the idea I ran with was very different to anything that had been designed for the book previously.  It’s a very dark, a little disturbing, and my interpretation of the final moments of the members of the murdered family.

This all came together very easily. Rather than trying various styles, ideas and concepts, I went with my gut – probably not a commonly promoted design method – and, to my mind, it all came together really well. I didn’t want any crisp, bold type on the cover. It needed something with a lack of clarity, so the concept I’ve been developing of projecting type though stencils worked perfectly. I even tried projecting image through stencil for the first time and that was equally successful – so much so that it’s used on the back cover. The overall result is a very dark, ominous cover that will draw in those who favour real crime, murder mystery stories.

During the last few months, I’ve actively sought commercial pieces that could be used for a submission. I have secured one piece, the cover design for the upcoming book by Jonny Fox. Although some initial development had been undertaken, the book is currently on hold while he is on tour. As a result, I pursued other opportunities and have secured the opportunity to work on a number of album cover designs during 2017, working alongside a small agency that works with Warner Bros and EMI Music. I have additionally picked up some work for an education charity who are undergoing massive restructure. I’ve been asked to make the restructure documents, charts and diagrams a lot less corporate (less Microsoft clipart) and accessible to all staff involved.

Overall, although there have been some frustrating elements to these briefs, I’m very happy with the outcomes, with what I have learnt and how I have developed new skills and further developed existing skills. The biggest thing for me though is how the Noise brief has changed my outlook. No more walking reading my phone – I’m paying closer attention to everything around me – it’s like a whole new world!

[alleeming]

Noise - Monolith

Feedback suggested a method of displaying these images in line with the Journey taken would be worth consideration.

What I’d propose would be positioning monolith type structures at relevant points along the journeys route - ideally at points where each image was taken. This in effect makes the body of work interactive, requiring viewers to take the journey in order to view all the works and to read the entire quote. I’d hope it would also encourage people to, as I did, pay more attention to the world around them - look more, listen more, engage more.

I’ve mocked up a sample monolith:

What I’d propose is a 6ft x 1.5ft structure for each monolith, made of glass with a black metal frame. This plays to the fact each image is on translucent paper, allowing light to emphasis the work. Also, being constructed of glass plays to the concept that people just don’t see whats around them - everything may as well be made of glass..

[alleeming]

In Cold Blood - Final Design

For some reason Tumblr insists on really emphasising the greens on these images. 

I’m very happy with how this cover has come together. Has a real depth, foreboding feel to it that is very appropriate to the story within.

[alleeming]

In Cold Blood - Development

Back Cover development.

As a starting point, I used Lubalin Graph the the body copy. As it turned out, it was a really good fit the for page. It has an older feel to the typeface, and when you want something that has a more professional, classic feel than a typewriter font, it’s a really good option.

This was my initial idea for the Back Cover, using an image taken with a custom filter (see Noise brief), with the text within the white section. This was printed on semitransparent paper, with individual works printed to a page that sat behind. It was the hope that some clarity would be lost with selected word. This didn’t happen, and as a whole, I don’t feel this concept works at all with the cover design.

Since I tried the stencil projection with the image of the Clutter house, I have been quite taken with that as an option for the back cover.

This image is much more appropriate and I feel will fit better with the body copy.

Various development options for the back cover.

[alleeming]

In Cold Blood - Development

Spine variations:

Ou of these options, I prefer the first one listed. It’s clarity and balance with the cover make it the better option.

[alleeming]

In Cold Blood - Development

It hadn’t been my intention to use the title within the circle, but it really does add an element of questioning to the cover. At first glance it could be a moon, emphasising the night, but as you get closer you notice the detail, the block wall - a cell? a basement?

Additionally, I’d originally favoured the authors name with the shadow. As it turns out, this doesn’t sit with the layout of the page, therefore I have opted for the straight forward name.

[alleeming]

In Cold Blood - Image Shortlist

[alleeming]

In Cold Blood - Type Development

I’m going to use a stencil and light process to create the titles for this cover.

This involves creating a stencil or negative print on acetate and shine light sources through the stencil/print.

The above shows a selection of type layouts, setup within boxes to allow for a clean projection onto a wall. In addition to the text is an image I edited of the actual house where the murders took place. I felt this would give an interesting effect - inspired by the cover for On Murder, as mentioned in an earlier post.

Below are a range of images captured:

Im really happy with how many of these images came out and will definitely be using some in the final design. I’m especially happy with how the house came out. This was purely an experiment to see if it would work, and having seen the outcomes an giving consideration to using one of the images on the back cover. 

[alleeming]

In Cold Blood - Typography

Once I’d selected the main cover image, I had a clear idea of what  wanted for the type. A bold, tall narrow typeface. I’ve since found where I may have found my inspiration..

This was from a series of posters designer by Tomato. I’m quite taken by the oversized letters and varying sizing.

I put together a number of type layout ideas:

There are some here that will work, other that clearly won’t. 

I feel the authors name will need to be relatively uniform, but I may well use some oversized type for the title.

What this has emphasised is that having a clear, bold title wont fit with the feel/look I’m looking for.

I’ll try a concept I developed last year to give an extra dimension to the text

[alleeming]

In Cold Blood - Development

My preferred idea was that of the minimalist, big sky ‘Columbine’ style image. But as that has already been done I’ve moved my focus to the Shotgun Barrel concept.  Below are a series of images take from the muzzle end of a Semi-auto shotgun of similar style to the one used in the murders.

Some of these latter images are very striking and will go some way to give the viewer the impression of what will have been one of the last things seen by each of the Clutter family.

Of the images, this one in particular has a very intense feel as well a depth to it. This image I’ll take forward to use on the cover.

[alleeming]

Mockingbird - Final Layout

[alleeming]

Mockingbird Typography

Looking to use a typeface that is appropriate to the era in which the story is set, 1930s, the bulk of the type seems to be very art deco focussed.

In my research, it seems appropriate to consider the designs used for the book ‘Go Set a Watchman.’ The sequel to mockingbird that was released last year.

The left image is the US release, the right the UK release.

Interestingly, the US release has been designed as a sequel to the original book, using similar illustration and the same typeface.

This isn’t something that was considered for the UK release, which does seem to draw inspiration from the typography of vintage film.

The UK cover it is vibrant and bluntly effective. It will work well in small sizes online, or piled up from a distance.  The Authors name is very bold at the top of the page and even includes ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ as a shadow.

As there isn’t a link between original editions of Mockingbird and Watchman, then maybe linking my cover design to the new UK Watchman cover may be appropriate. Watchman was released to huge fan fair and press coverage - using whatever momentum is left may be beneficial.

These are tests with various 30s appropriate typefaces. I’m keen to use Breamcatcher - the typeface used on Watchman for the main titles. Additionally, Lubalin Graph seems to be a nice accompanying font for the main body copy on the back cover.

[alleeming]

Mockingbird Development

Working with the Bronze, black and white concept on differing brown backgrounds.

Am really happy with how the images on the the darker brown background has come out. Id be really happy to proceed with those as my images.

Initially I was unclear as to the rear cover, but the naked white tree with the detailed mockingbird, I feel, will provide a perfect contrast to the front cover.

This will be the main cover image.

This will be the back cover image.

Am thinking a smaller bird may fit well on the spine.

[alleeming]

Mockingbird Development

Testing the screens with differing colour options and backgrounds

Very much like the darker background, but feel the black is too dark. Maybe a deep drown would be more fitting - especially as the story is set in ‘Dust Bowl’ USA.

The bronze works well. Maybe thinking a deep bronze, black and white for the underlying branches - this should give a very clear, bold image for the mockingbird.

[alleeming]

Mockingbird Development

I tested the layers on the Riso - out of curiosity

I’m really not a fan of the Riso for main image work. I find it’s ok to add a single element (See the type element of my Noise brief), but more than that is too much. In addition, its very fashionable at the moment, which in itself puts me off..

[alleeming]

Mockingbird Development

As the Jail scene concept wasn’t as bold and dramatic as I had hoped, I will be developing the concept of using a large oak tree in full leaf, but using a negative stencil element to show the bare branches in the shape of a mockingbird.

I want to develop something that is open to interpretation - is the bird dead? alive? is it representative of Scouts loss of youth/innocence following the happenings in Maycomb? does it represent Tom Robinson, the innocent man who loses his life?

Images used for screen development.

Trees used for basis of the screens

Screen and stencils

Initial images - these show an issue with the screens - left hand side not processing ink correctly. Screen will need to be redone to correct this.

[alleeming]

Jonny Fox - Book Cover Design

Following initial discussions with Jonny, he’d expressed interest in my previous etching and screen print combinations.

Below are some of my images used for inspiration as well as some initial acid etch experiments for consideration.

Unfortunately, due to touring commitments, his book is currently on hold.

Range of images referencing both Jonny’s punk background and the decay of society that features prominently in his work.

Few etching backgrounds submitted prior to book being put on hold.