‘Fight In The Shade’ Christos
Kyraicou
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KYR11325896
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FdA
DGC
Yr02
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PPD02
2. Pick Me Up / 3. Initial Five Ideas / 4. Specific Research / 5. Chosen Idea Develoment 6. Costing
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7. Production Plan
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8-9. Experimentation
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10. Final Outcome
Pick Me Up
My research journey began at Somerset House with an illustrative/ graphic design based exhibition/ marketplace. My friends and I gathered a rough idea on standard of work (majoratively high) the tone of dialogue (expressive and humorous) and the variety of style.
This raised my awareness as to the variety of eye-catching work, which I aim to reach and compete with. In particular, humorous pieces were the most memorable.
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Initial Five Ideas
My initial five ideas consisted of one, photographing and illustrating a batman collectables item. Two, drawing caricatures of my fellow students. Three, creating monsters using paint, ink and pen. Four, studying the evolution of the ancient Greek helmet. Five, creating
totem-pole figurines. All these are illustrative-based outcomes, which I feel, reflect both my interests and accumulated skill-set. When combining these elements, I am able to enjoy showcasing my capabilities as a designer.
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Specific Research
Conclusively, I selected the Greek helmet evolution as a topic for exploration. Above, I have displayed a desire to combine lino print with historical info graphics, using the battle of Thermopylae as the focus. The images consist od Ian Phillips’ prints, Peter Connolly’s The Greek
Armies and Frank Miller’s Graphic novel adaptation of 300. I adore history and I saw this as the perfect opportunity to update the legendary battle. I decided to use this more traditional method of image making as it was unique in relation to the more popular digital-print option.
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Chosen Idea Development
I began by sketching, tracing and overlaying imagery, applying a variation of mars in order to reach the desired effect. When simplifying the skilfully crafted tool for war, it allowed one to play with negative space and additional shape/texture. After extensive sketching, I decided
to display the objects in a simple, yet humorous way, which highlights their limitations, character and the ancient souls who may have warn and died in them. For example one may say ‘I can’t see shit’. This displays ignorance to the sophistication
and historical importance yet, is fully understood by a wider audience in this context. In particular, my work is aimed at young history buffs that enjoy humorous design.
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Costing 10x A6
£12.15 Monthly Outgoings: Travel (car/oyster...) = £142.4 Phone bill = £20 Food (lunches + grocery shopping) = £60 Going Out (e.g. cinema / club entry) = £15 Total Monthly Spend = £237.2 Annual Spend = £2846.4 £2846.4+3500x3 = £10,500 Student Loan Payback Post Study = £10,500
Chosen
£12.15 Annual Time: 52x2=104 365-104=261 8 bank holidays 261-8=253 4 Weeks Holiday = 20 days 253-20=233 4 sick days 229 229-48=181 181 working days per year 10,500/181 = £58.0110497237569
£12.15 Total: £38.45 Charge example: £58+ £38.45 = £96.45 £58 x 2+ £38.45 = £154.45 Demand & Realistic Value 1x A6 illustration = £2-£3 4x A6 illustrations = £5 24 sheet A6 illustration pack = £27
Project Material Costs: Printing and tracing paper = £6 Japanese Lino = £12.15+1.35x2=£14.85 Japanese Set = £10 Small v-shape = £3 Water based ink = £4.40
After visiting Borough’s Intaglio, I became aware of the high materials cost of manual printing. I was however dedicated to re-exploring an old hobby-craft of mine so I bought all the required materials needed for a successful outcome.
Conclusively, I believe to have spent too much therefore needing to compensate by charging extortionately, in order to break even. Realistically, this is not my intent however, and I have chosen a cheaper price based on my reviewing of the
current postcard market (size). In this instance, I have incurred a loss whilst appreciating the time and effort, and a limited prints ‘price tag. An enlightening learning curve.
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Production Plan 1. Applying my illustrative skills to a series of concepts for discussion.
2. Identify my target audience in order to convey a specific message.
3. Develop five visully contrasting ideas which depict my relevant interests.
4. Select one idea and visually develop over due course.
5. Gather intelligence of specialist production process.
6. Gather all required materials and record my costing process.
7. Experiment and discover the most effective visual fit for purpose.
8. Select a visual composition and apply to the final manual process.
9. Utilize the college facilities in order to reach a highly professional outcome.
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Experimentintation Day 1
I began to experiment with the simple shape in relation to a narrative which unites all branches of helmet. I then related back to the story of 300 and extracted a quote from Dienekes: ‘Good. Then we will fight in the shade.’ I connected ‘shade’ with ink tone and helmet protection against
a luminosity which represents the intelligence of the Hoplites, who fought under a swarm of Persian arrows, which blocked out the Sun. Furthermore, I hilighted the term ‘we’ to the unity of all Greek city states who fought alongside one another, to
defeat a common enemy. The lambda symbol represents brotherhood and unity within ancient Sparta (who lead the fight). Overall, this added a darker, depth to the intended humor.
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Experimentintation Day 2
The previous page also visualizes my developing skills within Adobe Illustrator with reference to the pen tool. I intend utilize this effect as a possible avenue for finalizing my outcome for the twentieth alongside my manual prints. This will provide a contrast.
I used the printmaking studio in order to familiarize myself with the manual printing facilities. Whilst experimenting with water-based ink at home, I also queried oil-based too. Conclusively, I decided to use water for my final as it delivered
a more relief-like, rough and spontaneously uneven texture, which added to the ancient feel. The oil however was too even, and therefore inappropriate.
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Final Outcome
My final set of illustrations depict four variations of ancient Greek helmets. I have emphasized the use of various paper stocks and printing techniques. Most images are printed with waterbased ink however the second to last image is oil. I chose to use it as a one-off contrasting piece in relation to
the rest. I decided to sdd slash markings to the final lino cuts as the test prints looked static. This added a warn and war-like quality. My final set will include all 24 discovered helmets, maintaining a similar style. I also intend to develop a series of
business cards in order to build a rlevant professional profile.
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