Brandon Shields Select Process
2015 Portfolio Review Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Department of Graphic Design
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Forms in space are total dictators
The first assignment composed of four phases: 2000 photograph categorization, 25 pairings of select photographs, 100 illustrations of the photographs and a non-typographic narrative of a personally selected phrase. The project explored form–making and development utilizing existing forms in Richmond. The end products were: 25 Pairing PDF 18”x 24” poster - 100 sketches 18”x 24” poster - 6 form narrative
Design Form & Communication Jas Stefanski
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For the first phase of the project, I explored the immediate campus community and then branched out into the Fan, Oregon Hill and Monroe Ward. I searched for common objects and symbols to photograph so I could exhaust the common things that I would be able categorize. As I looked for unique and hidden objects, I searched in alleys and spaces that are not as public. There I was able to find interesting forms and combination of forms. While I didn’t compose a narrative at that moment, I was able to fill my collection with visually different forms and find connections between the objects I sourced. For the categorization of the 2000 photos, I was instructed to place each series of photographs by color. The categories were Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Red, and Green.
Cyan Photographs
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Green Photographs
Magenta Photographs
Red Photographs
Yellow Photographs
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Cyan Photographs
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Green Photographs
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Magenta Photographs
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Red Photographs
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Yellow Photographs
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From these 2000 photographs, each category was narrowed down from 500 to 25. While difficult to figure out which photographs displayed the most interesting forms, a narrative and compositions were also considered. As I selected images, I became interested in the materials used to create some objects, as well as how those materials interacted with graphic or structural elements.
On this bike, the graphical element of the crosshatching stripes created a composition that flowed with the material it was placed on.
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This graffiti near the Flood Wall in Shockoe Bottom, has a great composition where
Outside the Student Media Center, the window signage displayed the wavy pattern
the space is divided by the concrete parking lot. I wanted to consider the space it was
to distort the thick color fields. The cropping points between the magenta and yellow
composed in and I felt it gave the graffiti a ground to stand on.
bonds the two color planes at a point, I felt could be used later on the project.
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From these select photographs from each category, I began to create a PDF containing 25 pairs of photographs. I was not restricted by color however, I had to consider the general composition of the photographs, graphic or physical elements within the photographs, and how both photographs created a visual narrative.
This pairing forces on the repetition of the forms as well as the soft colors.
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Above: The comparison of real material versus imitated constructed forms.
Above: The contrast between perfect repetition and a break in a system.
Bottom: The comparison between the functions of each form.
Bottom: The use of signs in different forms.
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Above: Comparison of flat curves and wavy curves
Above: Comparison of angles
Above: Comparison of color and shades
Bottom: Comparison of color and reflection of light
Bottom: Comparison of closure, and implied repetition
Bottom: Comparison of angles and direction
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Above: Comparison of curves
Above: Comparison of spot color
Above: Comparison of scale
Bottom: Comparison of point of view
Bottom: Comparison of repetition of lines
Bottom: Comparison of repetition of forms
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Above: Comparison of similar forms
Above: Comparison of geometric forms and organic forms
Bottom: Comparison of angles in composition
Bottom: Comparison of scale between each composition
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Above: Comparison of negative spacing
Above: Comparison of forms in space
Bottom: Comparison of angles in forms and composition
Bottom: Comparison of circular forms
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In this phase of the project, I deconstructed and images and took the essential elements from them. I was tasked to vectorize the forms and take 100 of the best sketches and compose them into a single 18� x 24� poster.
Sketches
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Selected forms
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Brandon Shields
After a study and reduction of forms, I compiled a poster of 54 forms. Many of these forms are interesting in shape and composition. The statement Forms in space are total dictators relates to how these forms interact with the negative spaces. I focused on the direct and indirect relationships formed by each composition and I purposefully placed specific forms next to and around other forms that demonstrated similar characteristics or contrasting attributes.
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Forms in space are total dictators
The second poster, entitled Forms in space are total dictators, is a composition arrangement of six of my favorite forms. These forms were selected based on each individual compositional arrangement as well as compatibility with other forms. I wanted to show a mutual relationship between several forms as well as use other forms as tools assist the viewer with how to read the composition. The two forms in the upper and lower corners are specifically placed to bounce the reader’s eye back into the composition, for example. I believe this project was successful in communicating my central theme throughout three compositions. I was able to explore translation and representational ways of expressing how forms can grab the viewer’s attention as a group and as individuals.
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via Newspaper Publication
The second assignment was a newspaper publication which was composed of a collection of things. As a group project, our group decided to investigate the purpose, definition and concept around mapping. We wanted to relate mapping in different forms to explain how we view Richmond, historically and in the present. The end product was a broadsheet size newspaper, printed by Newspaper Club.
Typography II Daniel Sinclair
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For the first phase of the project, our group researched a basic definition of maps. Our working definition of maps would be: a diagram or collection of data showing the spatial arrangement or distribution of something over an area, as defined by the New Oxford American Dictionary. We initially wanted to move away from traditional mapping and dig deeper. We sought to “map� data, specifically historical changes, future conceptions and alternative viewpoints of our world.
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Traditional 2D map system (Google Maps application). We first studied the significance
3D rendering (Google Maps application). We further studied satellite and 3D rendering
of this system. The representation of the physical world is merely laid out from a “god-
systems which provide a better representation of the world. This model can be
eye� perspective. The features of the physical environment is simplified and laid out
controlled from specific viewpoints and depending on the intentions of the user, he or
with color coordination.
she can find relationships that are not considered in a simplified 2D map.
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Historical 2D Map (Baist Atlas, VCU Libraries). This historical depiction of Richmond
Historical Outline 2D Map (1930 Richmond Streetcar System, John Murden). Maps
key for our group to understand how the current city we know today was shaped by
contain layers of content to separate and specify elements that the cartographer wants
the original structure and grid. Throughout the last century, there have been major
to highlight. We studied a crucial part of Richmond’s infrastructure development with
infrastructure improvements that drastically changed how Richmond functions today.
the invention of the first practical electric streetcar system in the United States.
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Aerial photography (GoPro mounted to custom-built drone). Aerial photography is
After gathering our mediums, we narrowed our focus areas to analyzing the historical
an emerging medium that is becoming more accessible. We had the opportunity to
streetcar system, the grid structure of the Fan District, significance of the Shockoe
partner with an engineering student to take our own images of Richmond from the
Bottom flood wall (not listed), and detailed description of the drone.
perspective that used to require a helicopter.
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In this phase of the project, we decided to take photograph using the drone. The other articles would require further research and were individually delegated tasks. As a group, we met up with Andy Fabian, an engineering student, to fly his custom-built drone. Our launching point was Jefferson Park in Church Hill. It offered an open space for the drone to fly freely as well as didn’t have many obstructions in case of a bad landing. We were able to capture views of downtown and Shockoe Bottom, using a heads up display system controlled by me, while Andy controlled the drone’s aerial controls.
The custom built octocopter.
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The headset used to control the GoPro. There was a separate joystick that controlled
The drone in flight.
how far the camera was tilted in any direction. The camera was set to take photos at a 5 second interval due to the lack of access to the manual controls during flight.
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As I captured images from the drone, I was intrigued by the quality of the compositions. I wanted to get a wide range of images since I had a time limit of 5 seconds to setup and frame each composition. With the drone and GoPro, I wanted to emphasize the curvature of the Earth. This series of images demonstrates a unique perspective of viewing the city as well as distorting of its features.
Preflight
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Lifting off the ground
Mid-flight
Horizon shots
Preparation for decent
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Out of all the images we captured, we decided to use this image as our main images. With minor Photoshop enhancements to color, we kept the natural distortion to maintain the focal point of the composition.
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For my portion of the newspaper, I chose to research the Richmond streetcar system. The streetcar system was the first electric based system in the United States, and this was fascinating to me because I am interested in how this crucial infrastructure component has effected the layout of the city grid since it’s commission and demolition. Through my research, I was able to find historic routes. Some of the old routes probably would have been decommissioned earlier, based on today’s grid system. Automobile popularity was the main cause for the streetcar system’s demise and the current city grid layout reflects an auto-friendly environment. I researched news articles and blogs to find if there are any visions for a modern day electric system. I was able to find one, and it helped me to vision my personal rendering of the new Richmond electric streetcar system. A historic map of the streetcar system. Many routes such as Harrison Street would not be able to handle the current day’s traffic patterns along with a streetcar.
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With the basic outline of the old map in black dots, I overlaid a conceptual Richmond
I overlaid potential stations and stops that would connect residents, the working class
streetcar system based on today’s traffic patterns and attractions. I considered existing
and tourists to the most popular sites in the city as well as connections for carpooling
routes and popular roads that could decrease in road traffic or could accommodate a
stations for more specific destinations.
streetcar alongside regular automobile traffic.
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For my portion of the newspaper, I chose to research the Richmond streetcar system. The streetcar system was the first electric based system in the United States, and this was fascinating to me because I am interested in how this crucial infrastructure component has effected the layout of the city grid since it’s commission and demolition. Through my research, I was able to find historic routes. Some of the old routes probably would have been decommissioned earlier, based on today’s grid system. Automobile popularity was the main cause for the streetcar system’s demise and the current city grid layout reflects an auto-friendly environment. I researched news articles and blogs to find if there are any visions for a modern day electric system. I was able to find one, and it helped me to vision my personal rendering of the new Richmond electric streetcar system. I created a hypothetical streetcar system identity. Inspiration for this streetcar system came from Washington D.C.’s Metro and New York City’s MTA systems. The 9 routes are condensed from the original lines and are based on popular routes on main arteries.
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RA IL
6 via.
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Richmond Automated Streetcar
Welcome to Richmond’s revived and the first large-scale automated streetcar system in the United States.
A Shock to the World Brandon Shields Shields, Brandon. “RAS System Map Concept.” 2015. JPEG.
Richmond is known for many historical feats. Known predominantly as the River City, the former capital of the Confederate States of America was a prominent crossroad in all forms of transportation. Many people may perhaps not recognize Richmond as the pioneer in urban planning but the city developed the first “reliable” electric streetcar system in the United States. Before the rise of the automobile, the streetcar, or “trolley”, was a large-scale public transportation project that was able to move many people throughout the city in a fashionable and timesaving manner. However, the history of our nation’s trolley was burned into ashes when alternative and more personal transportation methods were developed in the latter.
Maymont to Brook/Dumbarton
Forest/Thurloe to Gateway Plaza
Carytown to Powhatan Hill Park
Midlothian Station to 14th/Broad
Rosedale to Shockoe Plaza
M
Short Pump Station to Richmond Int’l Connector
Fo r
Rolled Over.
University of Richmond to Carytown
ar ke t
Chesterfield Station to Ashland/Hanover Term.
es t
Powhatan Hill to Richmond Int’l Airport
If the streetcar were to still exist today, we would probably see an even more sophisticated and expansive version of the old street car system with light-rail transportation as well. The system would perhaps play an important part as an attraction to the city of Richmond and should provide significant growth to the tourism industry. By observing the older version of the electric streetcar map, we can make possible assumptions as to how a current version of it may perhaps look like today. The original grid of the railway system connects stations to major locations such as the University of Richmond, Lakeside Park, Maymont, Hollywood Cemetery, Shockoe Bottom, Church Hill, and etc. Assuming how a newer version of the map would like, the transportation system, if it still existed today, could probably expand stations and include significant accessibility to areas such as the Richmond Speedway, Short Pump, Carytown, Manchester, and to Richmond International Airport.
Powered.
In the late 1800’s, Richmond and an engineer from New York—Frank Julian Sprague—collaborated on the electric streetcar system. In 1887, at a cost of $185,000, the city tasked Sprague with a 90-day contract to create the first reliable streetcar model system. The system developed had 4 wheeled cars, or trolleys, that were powered by an overhead wire, or a troller. In 1888, regular service of the Richmond Union Passenger Railway began with 12 miles of track serviced by 23 trolleys.
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accessibility by the new streetcar system. Furthermore, Carytown experienced significant impact making way for its expansion overtime, eventually giving its appearance as we see it today.
The streetcar system made significant impact on the passengers, investors, and the entirety of the city itself. It’s economic impact allowed recreational and retail centers around the city to expand. Forest Hill Park and Lakeside drew public interest for their pleasure gardens due to their
The original Richmond trolley system molded together the bits and pieces of Richmond that we see today. Although it has been quite long since the cities last decision to abandon the transportation system, we can still see many of what is still reminiscent from the pioneering feat of its historic past.
Revived.
Source: Kollatz, Harry, Jr. “Richmond’s Moving First.” www.richmondmagazine/com. Target Communications, 4 May 2004. Web. 22 Mar. 2015. Background Image: Illustration based on the historic Richmond Union Passenger Railway system of 1930. Illustration Source: Murden, John. Street Railway Map of 1930. 26 March 2015. JPEG.
The concept map is visualized on this page of the newspaper publication. The
My article focused on the historical development and demolition of the streetcar
Richmond Rail would consist of 9 routes, each color coded with an emblem that
system. In the background, I wanted to give more context to the article. Therefore,
symbolizes that line.
the line graph of the old system is laid out. Also, the words: Powered, Rolled Over, Revived; are overlaid to give a general overview of each section of the article.
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Our first iteration of the newspaper layout featured a large full bleed image of the drone picture. We would use the grid to divide the content but also emphasize the bleeding of large photographs. Each spread would feature a different grid structure to emphasize either the main article or the photograph display. Our use of typography would be consistent with the sans serif typefaces of Univers and Helvetica to give visual appeal to a digital-first audience. Through our critique, we found problems with the staleness of the grid and the typography. Through peer and faculty feedback, we were able to go back to the drawing board to improve our publication.
Our first iteration focuses heavily on the relationship between type and imagery. We wanted to give equal focus to both elements however the imagery was more apparent. The typography didn’t make our content seem more appealing but rather more cumbersome to read.
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Moving forward, we decided to look back at the definition of a map and analyze
We looked at elements on the cover that would could add to invite the viewer into the
graphing platforms as alternatives to creating multiple layers of traditional maps. We
publication. We choose to change the cover image in order to focus on the geometry
also honed in on specific topic areas we could focus on, such as the significance of the
of the streets. We felt this would be more interesting to give a unique perspective to
flood wall in the Shockoe Bottom district.
the image. Other elements were shifted to accommodate this change.
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The final publication features a large black composition with red light streaks. The light streaks were inspired by the countless photos of nighttime time-lapse photography. The light streaks highlight the major roads from the drone image. We chose to highlight this composition because it removes many mapping elements. We narrowed it down to one layer detailing the roads. The title via describes our newspaper’s collection of direction, history and change using maps as our initial medium to portray this message.
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The back cover details more of the stroke effect. We are proud of the print quality provided by Newspaper Club. This publication is a Broadsheet size, 375 mm x 520 mm (14.76 in x 20.47 in).
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Our introduction page features our manifesto of the project under the Richmond
The first article written by John Sampson, explores the impact of the flood wall on the
heading. The editorial team of Kentaro Crockett, John Sampson, and myself is listed as
Shockoe Bottom district as well as how it has provided security for the area. The top
well as credits to VCU, Department of Graphic Design and Newspaper Club. Our table
image features a Google Maps satellite view of the area. The bottom area features an
of contents for main headings are listed in thin type to contrast the heavy text.
image of the wall. The type is staggered to add context to the article.
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The second article written by Kentaro Crockett, explores the geometric grid structure of
John created a vector map of the area with highlights of distinct elements, such as
the Fan district. Each main article features a color coded title and header to coordinate
parks, that help form the shape of the Fan. Pictures of landmarks such as Kuba Kuba
to the writer. The main title is in light type next to the author. The catch phrase is in
restaurant and the Robert E. Lee monument detail the area.
large type, in this case on the opposite page.
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I created a concept map of automated Richmond streetcar system. It was modeled
My article explores the history of the streetcar system as well as offer insight in the
after the Washington DC and New York City subway systems. The routes on the
economic impact of the transit system on modern day Richmond. The title of the
bottom are inspired by the historic Richmond streetcar system.
article is overlaid over large areas of text to break up the space. Under the title, a vector representation of the streetcar system was added.
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This spread features the large photo taken by the drone. We used this page as a break between the three articles and the last interview article.
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The last article is an interview with the drone operator and owner, Andy Fabian. Three
This page features the specifications of the drone. We acquired the technical details
images of the drone feature crucial elements such as the GPS unit and blades.
from Andy. Throughout the spread we feature the parts of the drone. We dispersed the parts to show the complexity of the device and display the forms as individual parts.
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Pinwall
As a team, Kentaro Crockett and I had to explore Shockoe Bottom and generate an image-based installation that interacts conceptually and materially with your site. We had to create imagery that could be reintroduced into the site and had to be temporary. We focused on the floodwall and how it protects Shockoe Bottom. The end product was: Series of 8�x11� cutout location pins
Imaging I
Sarah Baugh 59
For the first phase of the project, I was assigned the Shockoe Bottom district. In a small group, Kentaro Crockett and myself had to select three sites within the district where we would propose to complete an installation. We were immediately intrigued by the Flood wall. It was constructed in 1994 by the City of Richmond to protect Shockoe Bottom from the floods of the James River. At the wall’s highest point, it reaches 29 feet, spanning approximately 6,000 feet long. We focused on the southern part of the wall under Interstate 95 near E 17th Street.
Sketch of the Flood wall
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Sketch of the gate
Photograph of the wall. The size of the wall, while
Close up of the gates. We first planned to make posters that would visualize how the district would look if the walls
enormous, would be used in the continuation of the
weren’t constructed.
project.
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Our second proposed site was at the end of the Richmond Dock Creek. The Great Shiplocks located on the edge of the Canal Walk, was a former shiplock to allow ships to bypass the falls of the James River. Completed in 1854, the shiplocks allowed Richmond to become an industrial city to import and export goods into the city before the railroad was popular.
Sketch of the shiplock area. Images would be placed on each bridge.
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Perspective sketch.
Photograph of the shiplock.
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The last site was the interior of Urban Farmhouse in Shockoe Slip. The coffee shop featured a large dining area with large glass doors that could be opened when the weather is warm enough. The shop also features live entertainment. We proposed to document a photo of the space that would have all the contents in the photograph are levitating.
Sketch of the area.
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Sketch of the proposed project.
Photograph of the area.
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We chose the Flood wall as our final site. It was expansive enough and held many connotations. We wanted to focus on the Flood wall as a barrier between the James River and Shockoe Bottom landmarks and an important development to the area. Also, we heavily focused on how the Flood wall obscures the viewpoint of the region between the James River and the Canal.
We based our concept on location awareness. The Flood wall obstructs your view of landmarks in the district. Also, you lose a sense of direction without because of all the structures surrounding the area. Therefore, we used GPS on our phones to help guide us. We wanted to create location pins that had images of landmarks in Shockoe Bottom, and place them on the wall where they are located in real space.
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We were inspired by the Google Maps “pin.� In a real space, this object directs us to a
In a virtual space, the Google Maps pin highlights a specific location.
specific point.
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We searched for sites in and around Shockoe Bottom, particularly ones with historical
Along with searching for sites, we were interested in the general architecture that is
significance.
in Shockoe Bottom. The world under the interstate highway creates an interesting composition that hides and reveals different gems of the district.
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After selecting our sites, we planned our method to present our concept. With the pins, we would place them on the wall in relation to where they would be if the wall wasn’t there. The pins would feature Shockoe Bottom landmarks.
We used Google Maps on our iPhone to help us plot our pins on the wall. The blue triple lines reference the Flood wall. The magenta circles are landmarks and the yellow triangle is your point of view from the wall.
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Each pin would feature a landmark. These pins are modeled similarly to Google Maps
The color is grayed out to reduce so the pins camouflage more with the wall.
pins.
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We searched for sites in and around Shockoe Bottom, particularly ones with historical significance.
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Mural near railroad supports.
Welcome to Shockoe Bottom.
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Main Street Station and James Monroe Building.
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Railroad tracks.
Old Main Street Station entrance.
17th Street Farmers Market.
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The final pins were placed on the wall. The height of each pin on the wall coordinated with its actual height in the real world. During critique, we positive feedback and generally well received comments such as the idea was a great use of how location pins could be used in the real world.
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Brandon Shields | Selected Process Book | 2015 80