Imagemaking in Graphic Design
Denotative images
aesthetics of apple can determine a lot
How's it made?
Connotative images
when you add another thing to it adds to communication
more about making something unique and unexpected
try many different imagemaking techniques, iterations
Denotative Imagemaking 1
Intro
simplest, because you make what the option is
LITERAL
Pencil, glasses, scissors, cup, shoe, keys, corkscrew, headphones, apple
strip it down to core communicative value
simplicity, range of complexity
What is the essence of this object?
shape
proportions
color
elements
A simple object can have many forms
example, apple cut in half, cut into a single slice
take pieces to make something new, and people still understand it's an apple
See yourself as an apple
Apples as an image can exist in many different states
What's the essense of it, how am I going to make a mark that will comminicate it to an audience
control visual cues that might lead someone to think the object means something else
you can deliberately mix those messages to your advantage
Denotative Imagemaking 2
Form
Line Drawing
volume, dimentionality
Color
realistic vs. iconic
What technique will be used to make that image?
as long as it's understood you can make an object in many, many ways
have range on techniques
you may need a connotative image or an iconic image for brands and identity
Techniques of Imagemaking
almost limitless techniques to investigate
experiment
be creative, how will I make it different and compelling?
create a process that is different and will lead to many objects that are unique
Try as many different imagemaking techniques as possible
digital
handmade
mix of the two
eventually refine these images and master technique, but for now, just focus on exploring
Generate + iterate with enthusiasm!
Process>perfect image
dive in, imperfect work is useful because at least your making, it's a learning process
How can I be inventive, interesting and unique
Start simple
Techniques in Imagemaking 2
Use diff Tools
Line quality + gesture
lose + organic
tight and graphic
primitive or naive
imagemaking strategy ex. contour lines
no line quality at all
Volume
no line to define shape
weight and texture used to create shape
Color
what does the object feel like?
how do you make an image that gets at the core of your message?
Techniques of Imagemaking 3
Cropping
What's the closest I can get to my object and still show it in a recognizeable way
What's the furthest away from my object I could get and still have it be recognizeable
try things you don't know how to use
Push the boundaries of denotation
When does this apple stop being an apple?
Texture
contrast extenuates texture
Mix up something you're familiar with and something you are not.
= surprise :)
The more unexpected the mixtures and processes, the more unique and shocking the image
something you've never seen before
Suprise yourself
be silly
draw blind
draw contour
low tech, or gorilla way to make images
Process, generation, iteration
strategies to be productive
process, how you make images, steps
experiment along the way
example, cut an apple in half, then use apple as a print with different paints on it
add steps: over print the image multiple times
example: cut out apple with cardboard, halo comes out of process
process driven work, allows you to end up with a range of images
PROCESS
click to edit
ITERATION
great way to practice design process
sometimes you need to do it mutiple times to get it just right.
takes in a movie
need comparison to make decision about what is best
assess which ones working
test drive images
GENERATION
make as many objects as you can
continually make
learn from making
if you get stuck just move on and try a different technique, or a different way of working
DEMOS
Print with an object
watercolor ink used
add pastels and colored pencils to denote hte apple even more
seeds, stem, leaves
stamp ink used
he's constantly trying different things, and observing it. He notes what he likes, and continues adding to it.
duct tape prints
cut shape of apple out of duct tape
cut little hole to make it look more like an apple
add to paper, apply ink over tape
Press paper over it.
make a group
Improvised "light table"
dry brush effect
hold all apple colors together and trace it.
mix two techniques
guache + ink
Connotation
NOT WHAT IT IS, metaphors
idea or a feeling an image evokes in addition to it's literal meaning
WHAT IT IS
how do we make an apple mean something else
look at pop culture
add elements to give context to narrative (example of hand laying next to apple, someone passed out)
good and evil like snow white
create narratives
what does it mean for an apple to have a snake next to it
control meaning of what the image means to the viewer
very culturally contextual
cultural consensus
Connotative Imagemaking 2
magot coming out of it
tilted apple, falling
snake made out of apples
hungry catipiller
ambiguity, not everyone will read image the same way
try to control the messages you are visually sending
controlling conotation is controlling meaning
the apple often means more than just an apple
connotation is tied to language
visual metaphors
apple of my eye
visual literacy
understanding of connotation