1159875262 - Digital Portfolio

Object and Narrative Project: Initial Research and Ideas In my most recent project: Object and Narrative, we were set with the task of choosing five different objects based on different categories (these seen in image), and to research into artists and designers who use object and narrative in their work. Here is some of my initial research for the project. I wanted to look at the way brands advertise their objects/products to their audience, and see how they structure their designs on their websites and social media platforms. 

Follow-up Object and Narrative Research After my initial research, I chose to research into graphic design that was more relevant to my chosen objects and potential methods I wanted to use to create my font and alphabet. I also researched into the recent exhibition 'Can Graphic Design Save Your Life?' to see what kind of graphic design is most effective and why. 

My Own Font In college, those specialising in graphic design has the task of creating their own font and alphabet based on the structure of one of their chosen objects. Above are my two main ideas for my final font. On the left is my font I have created which is inspired by the feeling of stress. I decided to treat stress as an object, and create a structure based on the feelings that come from stress (these are represented by the key in the image). I also created a font by using my chosen functional object: the paperclip. I then followed this us by creating a font with other functional objects such as split pins and string to see what materials worked best. 

Layout plan For my Object Project I wanted to create a small-scale glossy book which displays my alphabet. Above are some potential layouts for my final piece. Here I have experimented with the composition and design of the pages which will display my font. Working with placement and creating samples of layout helped decide where to place the letters on the page and allowed me to visualise the final outcome.

Extension of Object project - printmaking Using found acrylic letters in relief printing I created a monochrome blend and put these through an Albion Press.  I enjoyed working with physical materials and hand printing the imagery.  The ink quality and embossing effects gave a different feel to the work compared to some of my other digitally printed work. On the right I have used a blend technique while screen printing to experiment with texture and colour.  I used an 'open screen' and a paper stencilled letter to build up layers.

Work Experience I took part in a work experience placement within my college working in the printmaking department. I was given the task of producing samples to demonstrate the various screen printing techniques and produce a display for other students to see.   I decided to use the actual name of each technique as a photographic stencil with which to print.  This allowed a simple yet very quick and direct way for students to understand the different effects obtainable.

  Work Experience Above are some more samples from my work experience placement. Some here are successful and some are not. I have kept them all in my personal workbook for reference about these certain techniques, and how to overcome the problems that often occurred when making them. I have also kept the 'peel offs' from the samples and included them in my book,  scanning them in and mirroring and inverting them on a photocopier to test out different textures and colours.