On and off task

As part of the visual communication module we are asked to complete a range of weekly project briefs all of which allow us to explore and experiment with our own individual visual language. This weeks project was based on the idea of “On and Off” and allow us to play with the freedom of the meaning to create two separate images which communicate the two ideas. To begin this i wrote down a range of different ideas all of which varied in different styles and meanings. 

I began by taking down notes on a large mindmap all of which I discuss the different themes and how i communicate them through the drawings. Once i had wrote down all of my ideas before picking four separate ideas and developing further. For this i chose, interior, artificial growth within a greenhouse, day/night landscape and also hidden emotions. I chose these four ideas as they felt very different within their approach and show the idea of on and off. I developed these ideas using loose sketchy thumbnails to show how i can communicate the theme using different colours and composition.

Once completing the individual thumbnails I chose the idea of interiors. I chose interiors as I felt it shows a literal meaning towards ‘on and off’ as it can be communicated through the on and offs of daily life including lighting and technology. As well as focusing on the interiors I also want to include a character to help create an atmosphere for the image whilst allowing the viewer to feel a connection to the image and situation. With these thumbnails i included detailed annotation and colour palette. I have chosen a warmer brighter tone for the day time to create an alive welcoming atmosphere. This idea contrasts to the night time idea which is seen to be darker cold colours to show a sense of silence and peace. 

Once I finished with the thumbnails I chosen to play around with the finalised sketch in which i would paste in to procreate to help create a guide when creating the finalised piece. I chose this composition as i felt it had a unique sense to it whilst adding a range of space to focus on more individual details and also the character. Once I was happy with the composition I loaded the sketch plan into procreate and began creating a base of colour before adding finer details and textures. When thinking about creating this piece I wanted to think about mark making and how this can help add to the piece by creating character within the illustration. To create these different marks I used different digital brushes mainly from the sketching collection as I like the texture it gave to the colour and surfaces. 

Above shows the two finalised images for my on and off project. As explained I chose to focus on the idea of interiors and daily life, showing the on and offs of my character and her environment. To show these main differences I focused on the use of colour and light, for example, on the fairly lights and bedside lamp you can see a light surrounding the objects showing a sense of life and energy. As well as light and colour I used my character and cat to create a sense of on and off, for example in my on image my character is sat on her bedroom for doodling. This contrasts to the off image in which she is seen tucked up in her bed fast asleep. Not only did i use the single character to show a literal element but also used a sense of irony. For example I used her pet cat to show a sense of humour and irony. In both images the cat is asleep in the same position.This adds a sense of humour as cats are known for their lazy like characteristics and lack of energy. Overall I was happy with both illustrations and felt they had a spot the difference effect which had a light hearted feel which pulls the viewer in looking at the finer details and the overall energy of the artwork.