Author Archives: Idil Sevin Cimen

Final Summary

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I have enjoyed the tasks that I was given throughout these 9 weeks. Having research to do once a week really did help me find artists that inspired my work. There were a lot of new work that I came across during the 9 weeks, which pushed me to looking more into those areas for future ideas. Also some of the questions that were given really got me thinking. The “Is it possible to be truly authentic?” Question was probably my favourite. I enjoyed giving my opinion on this topic, it was also something that I have not previously thought about. So having received a question like this automatically made me research into artists and authenticity, I realised I had a lot to say on this question. I looked at designs and compared them with each other, trying to figure out where most inspiration comes from. Trying to figure out which artists works are familiar, who inspires who etc. This is an amazing example of how research gives you important knowledge for the future.
I realised that I certainly go for the posters/publications and illustrations that include big and bold typography. Typography that grabs your attention. For most of the tasks I used examples of typography, which shows where most of my interests are based on.
Research like this can help and show you what you are interested in, if you are not sure yourself. What I mean by this is, you will find yourself using examples of things that draw you in, which in the end means it is what you are fascinated by. This module also helped us to look into areas of each four pathways. For example being able to choose an illustration, or a photograph for the tasks. This is a positive thing because it did not limit us down, we had good options.
I looked at Postmodernism art which was one of the tasks. It reminded me how much I previously enjoyed this particular style of work, and I ended up looking into more. I wanted to relook at something that I was fascinated by in the past, something that research reminded me to go back on. This is why I think having research to find along with studio work is a very important factor. It helps you find a variety of different artists/work that you probably have not come across before, which helps to inspire you for your studio practical work. It helps you expand your knowledge. Also having knowledge on many designers will always be a positive thing for your own sake, it means you are more aware of different styles etc. Theory is what should always come before your practical.

Publish or Perish!

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This is my first chosen image. I was drawn to this as soon as I saw it. The hierarchy is amazing. They exaggeration of the S really attracts peoples attention, and you will definitely not miss it. So thats the first positive of this layout, the fact that it draws the audience in at first glance. They have highlighted the S for the “side effects” which is what people would want the most information on. In the centre they have placed the title “wash your face.” The type that they have used it quite bold and the whole imagine looks powerful altogether. The contrast between the black and white has also given this article a less is more vibe. They have no overloaded with colours, this is probably because the article is not such a positive or cheery topic. The black and white colours highlight the seriousness they are trying to put across. The smoke appearing to come from the S also shows something of a toxic nature, something that is causing problems for the S. Again this is to highlight the side effects, the toxic and negative side effects.

My second publication, a poster.
Although this poster gives off a messy look, you can see that it does in fact include organisation. You can see the layout has been thought through, the typography is placed neatly on the page. But behind the organised typography is the messiness. It includes splatters of ink/paint. The quote reads “excuse the mess” which relates to the messy background. They are trying to put across a messy design to add up with the chosen quote. It seems to be a “controlled” mess, something that is not too over the top.
A very simple typography publication. Has a strong hand made feel to it, almost like a simple doodle. Very well put together, along with the white on dark blue. The colour scheme draws attention to the centre where the artist most likely wanted it to be. The illustrations gives off a happy and friendly vibe, which could be the reason some people become drawn towards it.

 

 

 

 

  •  Jennifer Wick Laos (n.d) Typographic Poster Available at: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.pinterest.com/amp/pin/510384570248084351/ (Accessed 28 November 2017)
  • Ben Hassell (n.d) Harper’s Bazaar Available at: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/harpersbazaar/ (Accessed 28 November 2017)
  • Anonymous (n.d) Scandinavian posters Available at: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ManonGhiurco/scandinavian-posters/ (Accessed 28 November 2017)

 

Show, Reveal, Deconstruct (Postmodernism)

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This poster is a postmodern Graphic design. It’s a mixture of photography, and typography.
Personally, I find this very interesting, with the jumble of words and the imagery. The photograph is in black and white, which makes the black and white typography match the image. I also prefer to use a black and white image if I do add imagery into my typography work. I feel like an image with colour complicates the whole thing, and the more minimal it looks, the better in my opinion. It’s not that harsh on the audience’s eyes, but it does look confusing at first glance. Some words are cut in a way that does not make sense when you first look at it, but this is what makes it different, meaning it would attract more attention. It also says ‘rules are good break them’’ which relates to the whole layout, it’s not your tradition perfect in order typography poster.
Again a very different design. The placement is not in perfect order, type is scattered around and there is again no use of colour. The design is very strong on its own, no colour was needed. The quote works well with the image used, pointing that the person in the cracked mirror is not themselves. I am interested in the cut out look of the typography, looks almost child like.
Because I gave two examples of postmodernism art without colour, I decided to choose one with colour for the final. This one is such an eye catching design, guaranteed to grab the audiences attention. This design definitely cannot be missed. This is the upside of postmodernism work, I think it grabs the attention of many people. Placements look great, the whole cut and paste look is adding more to the busy look of the page.
Looks fuller than the other two, probably because colour is involved. In my opinion the colour scheme that is used here does not work well together, but for this design it certainly has. It gives it that look of postmodernism.

 

 

 

  • Anonymous (n.d) posters. Available at https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/432345632962991346/ (Accessed 20 November 2017)
  • Xinying (2011) ‘Postmodernism? What exactly does Postmodernism art look like?’ Post Modernism Graphic Styles 23 August Available at: http://postmodernismgraphicstyles.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/post-modernism-visuals.html?m=1 (Accessed 20 November 2017)
  • Xinying (2011) ‘Postmodernism? What exactly does Postmodernism art look like?’ Post Modernism Graphic Styles 23 August Available at: http://postmodernismgraphicstyles.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/post-modernism-visuals.html?m=1 (Accessed 20 November 2017)

Sensibility, Spirit and Meaning (Counter Culture)

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In this photograph, you can see the handmade typography on their poster. It looks like a psychedelic typeface which relates to the environmental organisation they created. Psychedelia reminds me of nature, natural, flowy and altogether a positive image. So, I think that by choosing to create their poster with this specific type really worked for them.  It gives people a feel of their organisation. Typography is so powerful that people do receive vibes from certain types. Also, the small illustration makes the whole thing more playful.

 

This second poster is again using psychedelic type. Although it is not as extreme as the first poster. It relates to the whole Earth theme once again, adding to the natural look. This one is not as neat and tidy, or as put in order. It appears to be more scattered. Although this could be to add more to the natural feel that the makers are going for. It also adds a more playful and fun feel to the posters proposal. It seems to be not a very serious poster, I am basing this just off of the type that was used. This shows again how powerful type can be.

 

 

This is a gay youth march in the 1970’s. The typography used here is very simple, not much to it. Just a plain title, and year. Does not give a whole load of information but we all know what it is. Sometimes less is more, although not much is put onto this, it gives a big message. The type that is used, is quite bold and out there. It definitely attracts attention in my opinion. It’s so neat and a strong typeface, it is powerful in itself.
This is the reason that I find typography so important. It changes the whole feel of what you want to achieve, your outcomes can turn out anyway you want it to. For example, if you want to attract attention, use bold and big out their type. If you want something fun then use a playful type, etc. there is so much to experiment and work with.
  • Anonymous (2009) The First Earth Day–Bell–Bottoms And Gas Masks Available at: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/photogalleries/first-earth-day-1970-pictures/photo7.html (Accessed 28 November 2017)
  • Anonymous (2009) The Specter of Environmentalism Available at: http://archive.oah.org/special-issues/teaching/2009_06/ex3.html (Accessed 28 November 2017)
  • Anonymous (2012) 1ST ANNUAL GAY PRIDE MARCH, 1970 Available at: https://www.charentonmacerations.com/1st-annual-gay-pride-march-1970-2/ (Accessed 28 November 2017)

 

 

Technology is the mortal enemy of art

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In my opinion I agree yet disagree on this quote. I understand why some people may feel strongly about this. Some people love the fact that hand touched pieces are best, as there is a real connection with the artist and their work. The real life paint brush, pencil, or any other type of medium. “Artists today, on the other hand, operate with clicks of the mouse, video tools and digital colors, which even if they ostensibly mimic old traditional tools” – Mohamed Zaher. So what he is trying to say is digital work will only be mimics of traditional work.
Manar Abdel Maboud
On the other hand I understand why people also disagree. Why should it be the enemy? Why is it not a positive? Technology has helped art come a very long way. We are not only limited, we now have amazing digital help to create even better designs. Very precise things we can create digitally, try out many different versions of the same design in the click of a button, erase a mistake very quickly rather than restarting the whole thing. That is an advantage for artists, everyone wants things to be created quickly, and digital way is the best way for quick outcomes. Also you can still add hand made elements in to your digital work. Create some illustrations by hand, scan them in, work with those etc. It does not all solely need to be digital if you do not want it to be.
  • Zaher, M. (n.d) The Impact Of Digital Technology On Art And Artists Available at: http://www.midanmasr.com/en/article.aspx?articleID=200#
  • Aleksandr Rodchenko (n.d) Who We Are Available at: https://www.behance.net/gallery/12919695/Constructivism-Manifesto-Booklet (Accessed on 20 November 2017)

Is it possible to be truly authentic?

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Is it possible to be truly authentic?

In my opinion, not everybody can be authentic these days. But I really do not see this as something that is negative. Everybody has their own style of work, the way they do things, their unique way of working, etc. But most people do become inspired by others work, seeing someone else’s creations and designs could inspire them, making them want to create great things just like it. This can also be called looking up to them. Someone who they want to become like. But not necessarily copy. Even if it is not a conscious decision, I believe that we all do this at some points in our lives.
I constantly see typography work on a daily basis that really draws me in, it always inspires me to go home and create some of my own work. If I see a certain style that attracts me to it, I feel like without really knowing I want to follow that style, to a certain extent of course. Making it my own. I think our styles are moulded everyday by the things that we experience and see, things that we take a liking to. These factors later on ends up creating our own style, special to us.
I am not saying that we all copy other artists work, but I think that we get our inspirations from others. I do not think that anything is wrong with this, if anything we are expressions ourselves.

Compare and Contrast

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The first poster is a visual pun. It says “piano” but the typography appears to be piano keys. Which of course relates to the word itself. This is a smart visual pun, quite an obvious one. Not every visual pun is as clear as this, some are difficult to figure out or understand. The colours used are minimum, black and white. Simple, plain yet affective. The black is powerful, taking up almost the whole poster. But of course the keys are white, to point out the fact that they are meant to show off piano keys. If any other colour was used, for example pink, it wouldn’t fit the typical image of a piano. 
The second one is from a magazine. This is great hierarchy, with exaggerated “OIL” placed on the double spread. The “OIL” really catches the audiences eye, dragging them in. Also they have created this dripping effect, relating to the word oil. The first poster and this relates, as they are both classed as visual puns. It is a smart design, the paragraphs beneath are placed around the dripping of the oil, which makes it look unique and different. The article is all about the trouble with oil, so a very dark and unpleasing colour is used to portray the oil. Just like a very dark colour was used for the “PIANO” poster. Black is a colour that is very powerful. It is dark, gooey, sticky looking. An all round a negative image. This works with putting across their opinions on the troubles with oil.
  • Anonymous (n.d) Amazing use of typography Available at: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/493284965421569625/ (Accessed 20 November 2017)
  • Anonymous (n.d) Piano Typography Available at: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.pinterest.com/amp/pin/366199013435871480/ (Accessed 20 November 2017)

TERMINAL BAR

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Terminal Bar is an amazing short film, which perfectly draws in the audience immediately This short movie is a great example that certain tempo of imagery and music can keep people intrigued. This 22 minute film is directed by Stefan Nadelman, starring Sheldon Nadelman.

Shelden Nadelman shows the thousands of black and white photographs he took between 1972 to 1982 of his customers, while he was the bar tender at Terminal Bar. Along with his photographs there came great memories and stories, which he willingly shared. The sharing of the stories most definitely keeps the audience entertained, wanting to hear more. The whole film is driven by photographs, and up beat music.

Sheldon Nadelman has a very lively and bubbly way of telling his vivid memories from the Bar. From people sleeping on sidewalks, to eventually the bar turning into a gay bar. He tells the audience as much as he can remember and recall from his past.

As the movie is coming to an end, many portraits start to go by very quickly. As they become faster, the music becomes more upbeat, matching the pace of the photographs. There are portraits coming into frame left, right and centre with a rapid pace. This gives an almost hypnotising affect, which leads the audience giving the film full attention, to not miss a thing.

Maybe a calmer approach would have worked better. Slower, so the audience can fully examine, focus and study the portraits. Overall it is unique, Stefan Nadelman’s individual way worked.