OUIL505 Project Report Ellie Chappell
My initial idea was to work under the ‘Children’s Book and Education’ category, aspiring to create a visual based creative workshop programme to be introduced into the school curriculum to make students aware of important issues in the outside world, as well as essential life skills that lack emphasis and importance. From my survey feedback a large number of participants suggested that mental health/wellbeing and skills such as cooking, money managing skills etc should be more heavily emphasised
I soon became overwhelmed by the whole direction of my project, and decided to remove the pressure of education and the curriculum from my proposal. With the help of my peers, it was suggested that I create a product under the theme of ‘self-care awareness and wellbeing’ that doesn't have the element of necessity that can sometimes undervalue its purpose. Instead, I decided to work under the theme of ‘Product and Packaging’ which would make the target audience feel less like it is a necessity to be informed about such issues.
I researched into the value, aesthetic and emotive meanings behind different images, and discovered and developed an understanding of the sensitivity behind hand crafted designs within products. The three main influences within this project were Marion Deuchars, Happy Jackson and The Sad Ghost Club, all of which use carefully constructed language, colour schemes and images to communicate in the most effective way to their target audiences. Through my practice I developed my own hand made typeface and patterns which I was able to apply to my final products.
Developing on from the idea of a sensory box, I decided to create a ‘Self-Care Package’, which contains visual solutions to help the consumer de stress and relax. I felt as if the sensory box didn't place enough value and emphasis on the importance of the illustrated aesthetic, although in terms of the product range, I would propose to create a ‘sensory range’, including a variety of products that enhance the senses as well as incorporating my designs, for example scented candles, things to taste etc. The Self Care Package would include A colouring book, 4 A6 postcards, Notebooks and Stickers.
Final Outcomes
If I had more time I would have liked to have developed more products to be contained within the box, for example I had thought about creating an additional activity book and a poster, although I feel that the finished outcomes that I have are more than substantial. I had a few minor errors in the printing department, in that the back of the postcard designs didn’t print off correctly, and that the box had a few tears in the seam where I had pressed too hard with the scalpel.
I feel as if the project was really successful, and I would really like to continue my practice in similar ways in the future. I plan on producing and developing more of these products and potentially selling them on an Easy shop when I get around to making one, and at the end of year show art market. The only thing I would change is my time management, as I could see the potential of me developing so many more things within the self care range, although I have mocked up a range of products that could potentially be produced, under a sensory range.
Brief
Touch
Smell
Taste
Listen
See
End of Module Evaluation Over the course of the year I have developed a strong interest in the human condition, in particular how we think, how we behave and how we respond to different stimuli in different contexts. I have been keen to link this to my practice, looking into how illustration can inform, raise awareness and promote positive change. Therefore the starting point for my project was ‘how can we visually educate people about important issues that are considered as taboo subjects?’
Constructing the images and patterns also required a lot of attention to detail, as well as the use of language. This was highly important as I wanted to communicate with my audience at a level, striving to help build confidence and increase self care and awareness rather than being talked down to or patronised which would result in the product being unsuccessful.
I initially intended to produce a creative workshop programme to be introduced in schools revolving around a subject of high importance that wasn’t necessarily touched on or emphasised enough within the school curriculum. Carrying out first hand research by visiting a Primary and a Secondary school and observing the structure of how essential topics were delivered, and practicing methods of delivery myself was really valuable in terms of developing a greater understanding of how different age groups respond in particular environments, and the level of motivation in connection with language and imagery. However through the exploration and development of my ideas I realised that this was a much bigger and intangible project proposal than I had anticipated, as well as diverting away from the fundamental illustrative principles.
I struggled with a few different things during this brief, mostly due to external and ethical principles. For example, I wanted the Positive Pack to appeal to all teenagers and young adults although I discovered that consumer groups that are more likely to purchase products similar to mine tend to be predominantly female. This disheartened me a little as I never intended to create a product that had a gender stereotype association attached to it, and I would highly encourage men to practice self care through my product despite there being a slight stigma around aspects such as colouring not being a ‘masculine’ related practice. Secondly, I found the process of creating a range really difficult. Mocking up my designs on products that are heavily associated with consumer culture, for example phone and iPad cases made me feel as if I was contradicting the element of my project proposal relating to ‘escaping from the pressures of society’ by potentially creating a product that could be interpreted as a fad or associated with aesthetic popularity. However, developing ranges that linked to one of my initial ideas of sensory products was much more reassuring and satisfying, knowing that my designs had an association with products such as candles and incense etc helping the target audience to practice self care by soothing the senses.
Taking a different approach of designing and producing a product based on an important topic was much more achievable, so I altered my project proposal to producing a ‘self care package’ aimed at teenagers and young adults, in particular students who may be struggling with educational, emotional or any other kind of stress and anxiety. Having experienced difficulties with mental health myself, I was extremely motivated and enthusiastic to develop visual aids and solutions that could potentially help motivate and lift the spirits of others who may be struggling. Carrying out research into the latest adult colouring book craze, many sources have commented on the fact that colouring helps adults to escape from the stress of our highly pressurised and technologically driven society. I went on to develop a mini-colouring book myself to exist within my self care package, as well as a set of four motivational postcards, notebooks and stickers. I found it really constructive to start practicing hand made type and pattern within this project, as it tied in with the importance of hand crafted aesthetic in creating a softer and more sensitive level of communication with the audience, in contrast to how digital type can often be too bold and brash.
To conclude, this module has allowed me to further explore and develop my interests in illustrative products, processes and contexts that allow individuals to discover new and interesting things as well as gain a better understanding of and appreciate the ‘real world’ away from consumerism and