BA (hons) Graphic DesignAdvanced Practice 2 (6FTC1185) RV0019
19th March 2022
Design Rationale
Major Project
The Fan Museum
Ann Kent
Project Scope & Design Requirements
Design Description & Rationale - Poster Design
Design Description & Rationale - Pamphlet
Desgin Description & Rationale - Motion Graphic
Design Description & Rationale - Collateral Evaluation - Testing and Evaluation Bibliography
Project Scope
The project began by looking at how to make the ordinary, extraordinary. This problem of how to change or improve the purpose of an item was applied to a fictional exhibition highlighting how hand held fans could be decorated with a design to communicate a message to others. The demographic would be people who held an interest in LGBTQ issues, fashion history and/or design. The age group of the target audience would be between 16 and 30, as this age range tends to be more aware and open to these subjects.
Design Requirements
Once the scope was outlined, the requirements of the project were added. It was decided that the minimal output would be a promotional poster, informative pamphlet and eye-catching motion graphic. At first it was proposed that the three outcomes should all demonstrate an illusion of movement from the fans. However, during the development process movement was replaced with a juxtaposition of flat images with textured accessories. In addition to realising the brief, the deliverables would also be a showcase for the skills that I have gained and my understanding of, typography and print layout; image choice and creation; use of technology to realise outcomes and understanding of semiotics in design.
Design Description and Rationale
Poster Design - The poster depicts two full body figures who are curled around the picture frme. They both hold differently decorated fans up to their mouths. The people have been designed in a simple way which has been influenced partly by simple street art, and partly by a cartoonish style used in the 1960s and 70s (D. Yaniger, 2022) (R. Allen, 2022). The simplicity of the figures is juxtaposed to the sophisticated tartan pattern of their fans. The tartans represent Gay Pride colours and Gender Fluid flag colours, and so communicate this alliance to the other person. To add focus to the fans, they have also been texturised and a shadow added. This helps to lift them from the page and give them some life.
Alongside the figures and fans, there is the slogan, “do you fancy a chat?”. This short sentence helps to add weight to the message of communication between one another. The text is offset from the traditional grid layout. The influence here comes from the designer David Carson (David Carson design, 2022) and adds an organic element to the way that words are spoken. To add a connoted message to the slogan, the word fancy has the first three letters set in the type used by the museum for their logo. This is to signify the connection to the museum where the exhibition would be held. The fan image and word is a signpost to the museum, to the subject of the exhibition, to communication, and to the pattern. Then the colour in the tartan patterns of the fans, communicates a link to the LGBTQ community and also to fashion and textile. Overall, the image connotes communication between people.
In addition to the slogan, image and museum logo, we can see contemporary contact information. This is in the form of a QR code and website address. I have chosen to keep it to the QR code and website as this declutters the poster from details like the map address and opening times. In the past a poster needed all of this information. However the QR code has taken the place of this in recent years, and so I have chosen to use this to keep focus on the image. However the QR code is displayed at a large enough size to not become lost.
Pamphlet - When folded, the pamphlet is square in shape. This unfolds, fan by fan and then image and statement, to reveal the exhibition location, times, contact and importantly, exhibition literature. The design of the pamphlet is linked to the images in the poster. When first encountered, the pamphlet is opened by moving apart the fans which had previously been seen being held by the people on the poster. We are then faced by two talking heads, both carrying the featured tartan fans. The next leaf confronts us with a statement which is an invitation to attend the exhibition. Then, once completely unfurled, the literature is exposed. This set of motions which take you on a journey to the information page, help to add to the underlying message that the fans are trying to tell you something, step by step. As each fan or page is moved aside, more information is revealed. This incremental exposure could be linked to the to and fro of a conversation.
The colours, fonts and style used in the pamphlet, all mirror that of the poster. However, two different characters have been added. These are created in the same style as those on the poster. However the pamphlet needed a more compact image and I also felt that the project could carry additional characters. The main focus of the project is the fan and so it is important that there is continuity with this image, but the characters are secondary to the fan, and so can allow for change. The important thing is that the style flows through from the poster to the pamphlet and then to additional items.
Motion Graphic - This animation keeps to the same use of font and fan image, as the poster and pamphlet. This helps to link the three items to one another. The animation uses tartan fans to reveal and then re-cover, the text. With each movement of the fan, another section of the message is exposed. This plays out until we see the full message and concludes with the Fan Museum logo, location and LGBTQ friendly flag.
The constant movement of the image leads the viewer through the storyline and keeps interest.This would be seen as a post in social media on sites such as LinkedIn and Instagram. However this could also be used as an advertisement on projected advertising hoardings close to the museum, bus stops , etc.
Motion graphics are a popular way to have your brands visual voice stand out from other, static images on a social board or wall. The fan is an item which has a lot of movement in reality and so works well in this situation. Although the animation is simple, the movement implies the folding and unfolding of the fans.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UCG-sX80MZc
Collateral - In addition to the proposed items, there are also two items of collateral which have been created using the images of the poster and pamphlet. These are a canvas tote bag and phone case. These are both popular items that are used by the demographic, and so would generate sales for the museum and also additional awareness for the exhibition. This is due to the visibility of the items when they are in use.
Evaluation
Testing
I tested my outcomes by sharing them on the cohort forum, with my family and friends, and with my tutor. The reaction that I received was positive from all areas, and there were no suggestions for change. When it came to seeing the outcomes in reality, the strongest reaction came in relation to the pamphlet. The way that it unfolded seemed to make it very interesting to those that saw it. This was particularly evident when it was compared to the other versions of the pamphlet when it was in the development stage.
Evaluation
When I began the project I had some challenging ideas about how I would create a sense of movement in the fan. But after research and development, it became obvious that my ideas were not going to work on this occasion. However, when my friends, family and cohort saw the outcome, they were very complimentary of the outcome, and had no idea of what I had initially planned.
I also hoped that the pattern design that I had worked through would be an interesting way to help communicate a persons gender or sexuality. However, although I love the tartans, I think that this important, underlying message, is lost. My focus was on designing something which brought together fashion, designers, and people from a certain community. Having too much focus on bringing these areas together meant that some of the message was lost at this stage. However, this doesn’t mean that the overall design is not useable, and if the tartan was promoted like the flags are, then the underlying message would be obvious to the viewer.
I think that my strong points are my use of original imagery to give the project a unique look. I also feel that the design of the pamphlet captures the viewers attention, and this makes people want to take the item and subsequently read it. I would also say that my motion graphic skills are improving. The animation would be attractive if seen on a small screen or on a larger monitor.
Judging by the feed back that I have received, and my own feelings for this project, this has been a successful outcome that I am proud of.
Word Count: - 1484
Bibliography
Allen, R., 2022. Ruth Allen Artist. [online] Facebook.com. Available at: <https://www. facebook.com/ruthallenart/photos/6055040874567325> [Accessed 5 March 2022].
Davidcarsondesign.com. 2022. david carson design. [online] Available at: <http:// www.davidcarsondesign.com> [Accessed 18 March 2022].
Yaniger, D., 2022. Gidget Goes Surfing Art Print. [online] DerekArt. Available at: <https://derekart.com/collections/prints/products/gidget-goes-surfing-art-print> [Accessed 9 February 2022].
