Semester 2, Week Two: Design Development \ Launch! : Group Project

This week we began work on our Group project | I learned how to create patterns in Photoshop | was inspired to draw vegetables | saw a tree where I least expected

Group Brainstorming

We began exploratory discussions: what needs the product or service might meet; and what skills we had as a group. A common theme emerged around communication, prejudice and judgement young men can face. We identified target audience of teachers, social workers, police to educate them in how better to listen.

Defining the project direction

Further research and brainstorm discussion began to give a shape to the project: badges, t-shirts, perhaps a booklet; and the idea of a card deck of conversation prompts.

Exploring Colour Palette, Visual Language, Tone of voice, Typography

Warm colour tones; images that capture themes, of frustration, the ‘masks’ we wear to meet societal expectations, and finding a voice.

Sketching some first ideas

Though we seemed to be lighting on the card deck as a ‘product’, with an animator and film-maker in the group it feels as though we have multiple elements and will need to be careful that they all hang together. 

Experimenting with colour combinations, type and identity

We had some exciting discussions that took us in new directions: Nash shared some writing and a Jamaican expression that prompted a rethink of name from Scan/Lifescan to ShameTree; and we began to explore some different approaches to the logo.

Flash of inspiration

Pulling together this week’s photos I noticed colours and shapes that echoed the Moonlight film poster. Researching Shame Tree folklore I discovered there is a plant called ‘Shame Old Lady’. As I played around with the geometric shapes, I noticed that the spire from the sculpture and the radial pattern of the metallic cladding looked like the trunk and leaves of a tree. I’ve shared my experiments with the rest of the team ― I think they could take us in a bit of a new direction . . .

The wonders of nature ― and Photoshop!

I enjoyed learning how to make patterns in Photoshop; I will need to revisit and practice before I even come close to mastering! I think it will be a useful technique in my illustration work, particularly for leaves, blossom and thinking about creating interesting designs for endpapers or chapter openers. Fennel, celeriac and rosehip all caught my eye for their spherical, tree-like, creaturesque forms. I’ve done some preparatory sketches that I hope to develop as fineline illustrations in the future.