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I have made a web blog that logs what im doing as an illustrator.
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Comparing artworks - Geometric Forms
Intro
In this blog post, I intend to compare and contrast two artists' practices and working methods of art. These being Halley’s “Acrylic, metal and Day-Glo acrylic and Roll a Tex on canvas CUSeeMe 1995” and Kandinsky's “Swinging 1925 oil on board” with particular focus on the layout and colour use. I will compare each to my work “TOOLBOT” image.
Peter Halley
Peter Halley was born and works in New York City. He studied at Yale and New Orleans Universities respectively. Since 1980 he has worked in his home town.
Halley held his own exhibitions in most, displaying his work in galleries around the world.
For over twenty five years Peter Halley has been fascinated in the use of geometric shapes to explore social space, in what he descibes as “prisons” and “cells” showing relationships between them. He has been a prolific writer on this subject and art in general, winning an award for his critical writing, which he makes extra money doing for magazines. This is an area I would like to develop as an illustrator studying this topic.
Kandinsky
Kandinsky also explores geometric pattern and is well known as an painter. I am particularly fascinated by the way he responds to music with colour and shape [synesthesia].
Me
I work with geometric shapes and try to create cleverly built imagery in a similar way to Kandinsky - relating to patterns in music but also involves space between griding and layering.
Images
Artist: Peter Halley
Venue: Sammlung Goetz (Goetz Collection)
Medium: Acrylic, Day-Glo and Roll-a-Tex on canvas
Creation Date: 1995
Swinging, 1925
Schaukeln
Kandinsky
Oil on board, Painting
support: 705 x 502 mm frame: 954 x 750 x 80 mm
Purchased 1979
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Illustion degree show - Stockport
Tool bot
Card on foamcore, cut and reworked at A1 scale.
James Peters
Compare and contrast
Each of us have used different media and all relate to different topics but what unites them all is shape forms. All however are construted in a simmilar way but have differing moods about them. Peter Halley for instance has emulated a dark structured atmosphere where as Kandinsky has made a dream like atmosphere. This is because mood can be changed by colour and pattern fairly easily.
In this blog post, I intend to compare and contrast two artists' practices and working methods of art. These being Halley’s “Acrylic, metal and Day-Glo acrylic and Roll a Tex on canvas CUSeeMe 1995” and Kandinsky's “Swinging 1925 oil on board” with particular focus on the layout and colour use. I will compare each to my work “TOOLBOT” image.
Peter Halley
Peter Halley was born and works in New York City. He studied at Yale and New Orleans Universities respectively. Since 1980 he has worked in his home town.
Halley held his own exhibitions in most, displaying his work in galleries around the world.
For over twenty five years Peter Halley has been fascinated in the use of geometric shapes to explore social space, in what he descibes as “prisons” and “cells” showing relationships between them. He has been a prolific writer on this subject and art in general, winning an award for his critical writing, which he makes extra money doing for magazines. This is an area I would like to develop as an illustrator studying this topic.
Kandinsky
Kandinsky also explores geometric pattern and is well known as an painter. I am particularly fascinated by the way he responds to music with colour and shape [synesthesia].
Me
I work with geometric shapes and try to create cleverly built imagery in a similar way to Kandinsky - relating to patterns in music but also involves space between griding and layering.
Images
Artist: Peter Halley
Venue: Sammlung Goetz (Goetz Collection)
Medium: Acrylic, Day-Glo and Roll-a-Tex on canvas
Creation Date: 1995
Swinging, 1925
Schaukeln
Kandinsky
Oil on board, Painting
support: 705 x 502 mm frame: 954 x 750 x 80 mm
Purchased 1979
.jpg)
Illustion degree show - Stockport
Tool bot
Card on foamcore, cut and reworked at A1 scale.
James Peters
Compare and contrast
Each of us have used different media and all relate to different topics but what unites them all is shape forms. All however are construted in a simmilar way but have differing moods about them. Peter Halley for instance has emulated a dark structured atmosphere where as Kandinsky has made a dream like atmosphere. This is because mood can be changed by colour and pattern fairly easily.
Lone wolf or Gang warfare
I chose this field of research as I feel it will enable me to gain an understanding of the pros and cons in setting up a group studio, in contrast to going it alone, comparing both sides of the argument.
Firstly a change in the way companies work with illustrators, it has radically changed as employers need guaranteed reliability. Now to gain trust, collaborative groups or small illustration teams are emerging to take more control of the market. I have had talks with my colleagues about making a group website and feel it is an immediate way to attract more business.
When working as a team, one main advantage is versatility for example Maa Designs in Leicester, specializes in Digital illustration, Book Illustrations, Cartoon Drawings, Medical illustration, Portrait illustrations, Fashion illustrations and will do just about any other type of illustration you want. They boast that 100% of people who use their company use them again and are completely satisfied with their products. This shows how grouping a team and banding together make a strong work force that dominates the market.
A disadvantage in a team is selling individuality, Ste Mack is a classic example of a freelancer who works from home and promotes himself through a plain and simple website. Selling individuality is important to an illustrator and is a key aspect of self promotion. I recognize that I have a weakness in verbal communication and working as part of a team can enhance communication skills’.
Freelancers can find work through networking their skills according to an anonymous source Rylo, G (2010) states that a
“Versatile agency model can help a freelancer land jobs that require targeted, specific experience and skills outside the scope of one individual.”
By being versatile and networking they don’t have to be part of a big company yet strong relationships can exist Rylo, G (2010)
“Freelancers and clients may form a relationship based on mutual needs and the professionalism and competence of both parties.”
Not everyone is suited to being a freelancer according to Rylo
“Being a freelancer requires discipline and self-motivation”
There are certain jobs that would require other people on the team such as advertising, as people who specialise in graphic design and animation skills are there to help. Would one person be able to do such tasks? Most likely not! Would he/she need to join forces with other freelancers because there is no reason why they can’t and still be known as a freelancer? More than likely as it would lighten the load! If this were to happen would it be a self-managed team or a project team, would they work together on more than one occasion, effectively forming an interdependent team and thus collaborating to solve problems.
Regarding harmony within the team’s work studio, it generally works best when artists are familiar with one another and have faith and expectations in one another, however increasingly in 'Drop-in' shared type studios are forming where they take turns on equipment at alloted time periods, but the obvious disadvantage here being that if you need assistance with something, having others input would be more logical in this instance rather than struggling alone with time constraints.
A thing that can make a team stand out from a freelancer is variation, Vormittag from Contain Plus often is given unconventional projects, and notably tells of problems that emerge
"Every time we tackle unknown areas, we have to work on unknown surfaces, deal with lighting, fabrics, durable printing, three-dimensional thinking... almost every job brings a new challenge,"
I interpret this statement to mean that a cohesive team will be able to brain-storm notions, identify potential problems, debate over what does and doesn't work, and how any project could be improved.
As a conclusion I have decided that freelancing is about individuality and is a good way to promote you. A freelancer’s money earned goes to themselves alone unless you have set up an agent or other middle man. A team however is about sharing these things... profits, jobs, skills, equipment, websites and so on. I think both have benefits and think it would be best to work as both, one person could not build a city but one person could help.
References
http://www.articleco.com/Article/FreelanceWritingJobs-----Crafty-System-To-Make-Cash-Or-Yet-One-More-Discouraging-Piece-Of-Junk-/264130 accessed 15/07/10Article By: Georg Rylo The Article Company
http://www.containerplus.co.uk/publications/CA_septoct2006.htm
Computer Arts 127, Sept 2006: by Nick Spence
No Limits Design
Firstly a change in the way companies work with illustrators, it has radically changed as employers need guaranteed reliability. Now to gain trust, collaborative groups or small illustration teams are emerging to take more control of the market. I have had talks with my colleagues about making a group website and feel it is an immediate way to attract more business.
When working as a team, one main advantage is versatility for example Maa Designs in Leicester, specializes in Digital illustration, Book Illustrations, Cartoon Drawings, Medical illustration, Portrait illustrations, Fashion illustrations and will do just about any other type of illustration you want. They boast that 100% of people who use their company use them again and are completely satisfied with their products. This shows how grouping a team and banding together make a strong work force that dominates the market.
A disadvantage in a team is selling individuality, Ste Mack is a classic example of a freelancer who works from home and promotes himself through a plain and simple website. Selling individuality is important to an illustrator and is a key aspect of self promotion. I recognize that I have a weakness in verbal communication and working as part of a team can enhance communication skills’.
Freelancers can find work through networking their skills according to an anonymous source Rylo, G (2010) states that a
“Versatile agency model can help a freelancer land jobs that require targeted, specific experience and skills outside the scope of one individual.”
By being versatile and networking they don’t have to be part of a big company yet strong relationships can exist Rylo, G (2010)
“Freelancers and clients may form a relationship based on mutual needs and the professionalism and competence of both parties.”
Not everyone is suited to being a freelancer according to Rylo
“Being a freelancer requires discipline and self-motivation”
There are certain jobs that would require other people on the team such as advertising, as people who specialise in graphic design and animation skills are there to help. Would one person be able to do such tasks? Most likely not! Would he/she need to join forces with other freelancers because there is no reason why they can’t and still be known as a freelancer? More than likely as it would lighten the load! If this were to happen would it be a self-managed team or a project team, would they work together on more than one occasion, effectively forming an interdependent team and thus collaborating to solve problems.
Regarding harmony within the team’s work studio, it generally works best when artists are familiar with one another and have faith and expectations in one another, however increasingly in 'Drop-in' shared type studios are forming where they take turns on equipment at alloted time periods, but the obvious disadvantage here being that if you need assistance with something, having others input would be more logical in this instance rather than struggling alone with time constraints.
A thing that can make a team stand out from a freelancer is variation, Vormittag from Contain Plus often is given unconventional projects, and notably tells of problems that emerge
"Every time we tackle unknown areas, we have to work on unknown surfaces, deal with lighting, fabrics, durable printing, three-dimensional thinking... almost every job brings a new challenge,"
I interpret this statement to mean that a cohesive team will be able to brain-storm notions, identify potential problems, debate over what does and doesn't work, and how any project could be improved.
As a conclusion I have decided that freelancing is about individuality and is a good way to promote you. A freelancer’s money earned goes to themselves alone unless you have set up an agent or other middle man. A team however is about sharing these things... profits, jobs, skills, equipment, websites and so on. I think both have benefits and think it would be best to work as both, one person could not build a city but one person could help.
References
http://www.articleco.com/Article/FreelanceWritingJobs-----Crafty-System-To-Make-Cash-Or-Yet-One-More-Discouraging-Piece-Of-Junk-/264130 accessed 15/07/10Article By: Georg Rylo The Article Company
http://www.containerplus.co.uk/publications/CA_septoct2006.htm
Computer Arts 127, Sept 2006: by Nick Spence
No Limits Design
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Graphic design typefaces
In this image, depth is created by the light green, it is lifted forward and as an obsvation this is becauce the amount of area is larger than the red areas.
Red and green are complmentry colours but in this image the colours are fighting for dominance and the green usually wins. Its interesting that most of the colour green is mostly on the left as we read left to right and red is a dominant colour that we are stongly drawn towards.
I have been carfuly selecting colour pallete triplets, like in this image I too have used a comlmentry colour choice, purple and orange these colours worked and the thrid colour was peach to lift and seperate them in parts. I will strive to use complmentery colour in this way in the future and will take notes when image like this appear in day to day life.
Some of this text would be hard to read on it own, such as the letter M and W as the letter forms are much less defined. This would work as an embossment as the leterforms and shapes are simplized and suitable. Its almost like bauhaus meets bubble type. (lol) The form is fragmented and makes it difficult to read, leaving things ambiguous and limited information. This is an aesthetic quality I would like to achive in my work.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Prospective clients (Which Magazine)
Where I went
I went to the centre of London as part of my design practice to see prospective clients. Whilst I was down there I had made an appointment with a friend to meet Judy, who is the art director of the Computer Which Magazine. I intended to go and see her to show her my portfolio, and see if I could familiarise myself with what it is like to meet a client who is interested in my work and would be willing to use my illustrations in her magazine.
About Which
Which Magazine compare prices for products in the High Street. I think my illustrations would be suitable because they would add a spark of fun to their corporate designs. Judy said that the magazine mostly uses photography but she is interested in using more illustration in the future. Judy also told us what type of illustrations work best, such as diagrams.
My findings
I found that a positive influence for me was the understanding of how interviews are carried out in the work placement/work environment. This was a new experience talking face to face with a client. My objectives were: to have the opportunity to pitch work and portfolio to clients, to review the relevance for the client, to obtain feed back and gain practise talking to clients, to see if I was prepared to meet clients in a working environment, to identify any problems that may have occurred preparing me for the next time, to inquire what is best to wear, are business cards required and finally is my portfolio professionally presented.
Learning outcomes
I found that Judy was well spoken but aloud time for me to say necessary things about my work, which helped me as I struggle to say what I mean sometimes. Pitching is not a struggle if you have the correct tools: Preparation of list of questions, business cards and I should have gathered background research on the company or client base, because the client will not only talk about business cards and portfolios. Upon reflection I should have asked about some of the difficulties that occurred with using illustration the short time frames, due to the fast tempo of business printing times. As a last note I have learned to be confident and have a clear mind when meeting someone new and to speak clearly and calmly and reply as best as you can to questions asked.
I went to the centre of London as part of my design practice to see prospective clients. Whilst I was down there I had made an appointment with a friend to meet Judy, who is the art director of the Computer Which Magazine. I intended to go and see her to show her my portfolio, and see if I could familiarise myself with what it is like to meet a client who is interested in my work and would be willing to use my illustrations in her magazine.
About Which
Which Magazine compare prices for products in the High Street. I think my illustrations would be suitable because they would add a spark of fun to their corporate designs. Judy said that the magazine mostly uses photography but she is interested in using more illustration in the future. Judy also told us what type of illustrations work best, such as diagrams.
My findings
I found that a positive influence for me was the understanding of how interviews are carried out in the work placement/work environment. This was a new experience talking face to face with a client. My objectives were: to have the opportunity to pitch work and portfolio to clients, to review the relevance for the client, to obtain feed back and gain practise talking to clients, to see if I was prepared to meet clients in a working environment, to identify any problems that may have occurred preparing me for the next time, to inquire what is best to wear, are business cards required and finally is my portfolio professionally presented.
Learning outcomes
I found that Judy was well spoken but aloud time for me to say necessary things about my work, which helped me as I struggle to say what I mean sometimes. Pitching is not a struggle if you have the correct tools: Preparation of list of questions, business cards and I should have gathered background research on the company or client base, because the client will not only talk about business cards and portfolios. Upon reflection I should have asked about some of the difficulties that occurred with using illustration the short time frames, due to the fast tempo of business printing times. As a last note I have learned to be confident and have a clear mind when meeting someone new and to speak clearly and calmly and reply as best as you can to questions asked.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Lanfranco Bombell
Stumbled across this designer Lanfranco Bombelli. His work for the American Trade Centre might appeal to you, esp his use of reduced colour and play with 2d/3d.
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
3D Vector robot image.
http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-29320051/stock-vector--d-vector-robot-communication.html
This image is relevant to the project work I’m producing at college as it explores themes such as communication between two robots. The use of colour here is a tad week for what is being seen here, and also therefore less visually appealing. The robots look like space costumes which means the shapes are not symbolizing what they are.
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