Reflection

In week 01 we started off with a quick introduction to the module and what we will be covering.

We were introduced to the brief of our first project which will be designing a new music streaming app that contains around 3-5 screens. This will need to be illustrative in way for our first deliverable. I wasn’t initially excited about this brief as in my foundation year we were given the task of adding a new feature to a streaming app and I chose Spotify so I was worried it would be a lot of the same research and process to get to the outcome and from my previous research I learnt that it is a very saturated market and it could be difficult to stand out. However with the illustrative element added to this brief I feel I could make this different to my previous work because I will be able to research more into illustrators and their work and create an app different from the rest on the market.

We then looked the phrase "a picture can tell a thousand words". This means that a single image can convey a complex message or story more effectively than a written description of that image. This phrase suggests that an image has the ability to communicate a lot of information and meaning quickly and powerfully, and that sometimes a visual representation of something can be more impactful than words.

The phrase is often used to describe the power of visual media, such as photographs, paintings, and videos. It suggests that these forms of media have the ability to convey meaning in a way that is immediate and visceral, and that they can evoke emotions and ideas that are difficult to capture in words.

The origins of the phrase are not entirely clear, but it is often attributed to the early 20th-century advertising industry, which recognised the power of images to convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that was more engaging and memorable than written descriptions. Over time, the phrase has become a common idiom used to describe the power of visual media, and it is often used in a wide range of contexts to emphasise the importance of visual communication.

We then looked at how juxtaposing images can create a variety of effects and meanings, depending on the images themselves and the context in which they are presented. Juxtaposing two images that are opposites or have different visual characteristics can create a sense of contrast, which can draw the viewer's attention and highlight differences between the images. Placing two or more images side by side can create a sense of comparison, highlighting similarities or differences between the images and inviting the viewer to make connections or draw conclusions. Juxtaposing two images that seem to contradict each other can create a sense of irony, challenging the viewer's assumptions or expectations and creating a sense of surprise or humour. Juxtaposing images can evoke different emotions in the viewer, depending on the subject matter and context of the images.

Overall, the effect of juxtaposing images depends on the images themselves, the context in which they are presented, and the viewer's interpretation of the meaning behind the images.

Artist Research

I chose to start off my research with an illustrator due to the brief. I chose Paddy Donnelly who is an Irish illustrator and designer based in Belgium. He has worked on various children's books, editorial illustrations, and comics. I find his work very effective because it is bold, with vibrant colours and whimsical, playful imagery and this is something I would like to include in my work.

Paddy Donnelly - Dyslexic Beach Illustration

His "Dyslexic Beach" illustration is a clever and whimsical depiction of the experience of dyslexia. The image features a colourful, beach-themed background. In the foreground, the main focus of the illustration is a series of jumbled letters and words that are arranged in a way that makes them difficult to read.

The most notable aspect of the illustration is the way in which the jumbled letters and words are arranged. The letters are rotated, upside down and back to front, creating a visual representation of the experience of dyslexia. This arrangement of the letters and words makes them difficult to decipher and read, which is a common experience for individuals with dyslexia.

Another interesting aspect of the illustration is the use of colour. The background is vibrant and colourful, which adds to the playful and whimsical tone of the image. The jumbled letters and words are in black and white, creating juxtaposition through the contrast of the background and foreground.

Overall, Paddy Donnelly's "Dyslexic Beach" illustration is a creative and engaging representation of the experience of dyslexia. The use of playful imagery and vibrant colours helps to make a difficult topic more approachable and relatable. By depicting the challenges of dyslexia in a visual way, the illustration helps to increase awareness and understanding of this learning difference.