21.09.2022 - 19.10.22 Week 4 - Week 8
Lim Yi Xvan 0354552
Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Task 2 : Key Artwork and Collateral
Lectures
All completed in task 1.
Instructions
<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u8xQAlq_4J8s5W_82TkWqcr4QY87PXZj/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>
Task 2A // Key Artwork
In the context of this task, the key artwork is a wordmark/lettering, but is also an artwork. As a wordmark/lettering it is used to identify an event/person but it is also used as an artwork that might adorn on a lapel pin/Tshirt/ poster (collateral). The key artwork can be disassembled into constituent shapes to form vibrant patterns that continue to maintain and expand the visual identity.
For this task, we will need to use the initials of our name, our first name or our pet name. Explore and compose as many permutations and combinations of these initials. The final key artwork must be an elegant solution, not complicated or confusing that leads to a functional and communicable key artwork. This key artwork will subsequently be used in Task 2(B) collateral.
Task 2(A) and 2(B) will require us to explore the boundaries of communication using the knowledge gained from all modules not withstanding this semester’s exercises of Typographic Systems and Type & Play. Synthesise the knowledge and create a key artwork that excites you and is memorable.
Notes to be taken in constructing a key artwork for task 2A:
- The key artwork should not be confused, and it must be legible
- It must be functional, memorable, unique and elegant
- It must be underpinned by something and have characteristics in the key artwork itself to make it special
First of all, I went online and did some visual research and also to make sure there're no similar or likely designs before creating my key artwork.
I will be using my initials "SLX" for this task. "S" stands for Selina, my nickname. Well, "L" stands for my surname Lim and "X" stands for my last name Xvan which only people that's close to me will call me that.
My intention is to create something with a queen vibes, something elegant, feminist, royal feel, strong. As we knew that, few weeks back, Queen Elizabeth II passed away which affected the world alot. So I would like to use the England Queen as my preference.
 |
| fig 1.1 - visual research of monograms from Pinterest |
| fig 1.1.2 - visual research of monograms from Pinterest |
1. Sketches
To be honest, I literally have no idea at first. But we were told to show sketches and drafts on week 6. I was literally not very clear of the task objectives and the meaning of key artworks so I've created something really shitty hahah.
 |
fig 2.1 - 1st draft (4/10/22)
|
Obviously, it looks shitty and not legible. Mr.Vinod also said that this is confusing and not legible also not having something underpin in it is a nono.
After receiving the feedbacks and getting clear on what's a key artwork and how it should be. I started figuring out on what I want it to be underpin as I mentioned earlier a queen vibes which represents elegant, royal, feminist and strong characteristics. So I searched up on the internet about "queen" and I found this interesting.
 |
| fig 2.1.2 - royal wand from internet |
 |
fig 2.1.3 - royal wand from internet
|
The Queen's royal wand which they would hold when ascending or participate in any important events. So then I started to work with this idea and underpin it in my key artwork.
Firstly, I started to play with the letter "S" as I think it's quite cool when I duplicate the letter "S" and position them right to each other as a reflection. The pattern turns out quite nice and elegant.
 |
fig 2.2 - playing with the letter "S" (11/10/22)
|
2. Digitalisation
Then I found out that this pattern actually kinda looks like the head structure of the royal wand. So I decided to work with both of these "S" pattern, then started to work with the bottom. I decided to reflect the letter "L" as well to create the stick of the wand. Here're some attempts I tried making by combining the structure of "S" and "L". |
fig 2.2.2 - combining the structure "S" and "L" (11/10/22)
|
After few attempts I chose out 3 choices for my key artwork digitalisation to be shown during our week 7 class. These are those that I think which are more likely to my idea on composing something royal, elegant, feminist.
#1: I used the pattern of "S" reflecting to each other and added two diamonds above the under stroke to create look of boobs which represents feminist. Well the bellow letters are constructed by "L" with "I" in the middle and "X" inside the cage of "L" which looks like a key to me.
#2: For this I created a crown above to show the characteristics of queen.
#3: I created a "X" above which uses the strokes of the two "S" and make them cross over. It kinda have a royal vibes.
 |
fig 2.2.3 - choices for digitalisation (11/10/22)
|
On week 7, we were asked to show our final digitalisation key artwork for feedbacks. However, after getting my feedbacks from Mr.Vinod, he said that my ideas aren't clearly showed in the key artworks I made and they're not legible and the letter "L" are quite confusing. But he said that he likes how the way I construct the "S" and form them together. So he asked me to maybe think about it on how to work with just the upper part.
Hence, I need to go through the journey again and starting to recreate the key artworks because Mr.Vinod rejected me huhuhu. Anyways I went to Pinterest to search up for some ideas again. Then I was thinking to create a key artwork referring to the royal crown with the pattern "S" formed earlier.
 |
| fig 2.3.1 - reference used for key artwork |
 |
| fig 2.3.2 - Queen Elizabeth II wearing the crown jewels |
|
With this idea in my mind, I then transform it into my key artwork by remaining the form of the pattern "S". Here're some attempts I did and honestly I was so confused and can't decide which to use as my final one. |
| fig 2.3.3 - Attempts done for final key artwork (20/10/22) |
|
I finally decided to choose the right below one as my final submission for my key artwork. I wanted to remain the crown above it which represents queen. Anyways I think it lowkey looks like the heart of queen from Alice in the Wonderland. I masked out the stroke which duplicates between the "S" and "L" in the middle. I also kept the elements of the diamonds as boobies to represent feminist.
 |
| fig 2.3.4- Strokes being masked (20/10/22) |
|
The reason I decided to mask the duplicates strokes are because I wanted to created contrast and closure principles for my key artwork. I think by that it will increase the interest of the viewer's visual interaction. Below is a pic of how the letters are composed as my final key artwork.
 |
| fig 2.3.4- Final key artwork (21/10/22) |
|
Submission:
1. JPEG
 |
| fig 3.1- Final key artwork in jpeg (21/10/22) |
|
2. PDF
| fig 3.2- Final key artwork in pdf (21/10/22) |
Task 2B // Collateral
1. Animated Key Artwork
On task 2B, we were tasked to design a t-shirt, lapel pin, an animated key artwork and an Instagram account transforming the key artwork into a brand. We will work on the animated key artwork first and fine-tune the outcomes before going on to the and other collateral material: t-shirt, lapel pin and finally an Instagram account. The output must result from in-depth exploration and must communicate both visually and textually the desired message and mood set by the key artwork and its function.
For my animated key artwork, I wanted to make something strong but not too complicated and within 2 seconds. As Mr.Vinod told us that it would be great if it remains within 1 second but maximum is 3 seconds.
First of all I created different movements and positions for separated strokes in After effects. What I adjusted was the scale and opacity for each of them. I wanted them to ender one by one according to their respective timeline. Luckily we learnt to use After effects earlier in sem 1 or else I think I'll still be suffering on using Photoshop and create numbers of frame to create gif.
 |
| fig 4.1.1 - progress of making movements for key artwork in AE (25/10/22) |
I think it's too flat too only make it 2D so I move into Premiere Pro and create emboss for the key artwork to make it more 3D and solid in forms which will sharpen itself.
Submission:
fig 4.1.2 - Submission for animated key artwork in gif (25/10/22)
2. Collateral
Since my key artwork was made as a personal logo purpose, so I decided to use it on the things that I interest on which is fashion. Well I did ask myself, if I hope to use this logo on something or apply it on objects. What would I choose? I would definitely use it as a fashion logo. Hence, I started searching on freepik, pinterest to find objects that I wanted to use for collateral.
I first started off with this image below. I was trying to compose my key artwork as a tattoo if I would might apply it on my body and to be honest, I was curious on how it would turns out. Well it turns out quite nice.
 |
| fig 4.2.1 - before apply (22/10/22) |
 |
fig 4.2.2 - after apply: tattoo (22/10/22)
|
For this, I adjusted the opacity of the tattoo and then I also added noise on the key artwork so that it will look nicely merged with the skin texture.
Next, I use a bag as my collateral. I firstly make my logo into the texture of golden. I convert it into smart object to apply the golden texture image underneath the key artwork. I then added smart filters like emboss and shadows to create realness of the logo on bag.
 |
fig 4.3.1 - process of creating logo for bag (22/10/22)
|
 |
fig 4.3.2 - outcome for collateral of bag (22/10/22)
|
Then, I tried apply it on shirt, as we were asked to. Well this are the hardest of all. So I wanted to create patterns using my logo instead of just using a single logo like directly apply it to the shirt which I think it will look meh. So I founded a vest top and wanted to create patterns for it.
 |
fig 4.4.1 - original pic (22/10/22)
|
 |
fig 4.4.2 - after photoshop (23/10/22)
|
I first remove the original checkered pattern of the vest by using pen tool select the area and then mask it out. Then I apply another beige colour for it. I open a new layer and organise the logos into the composition I wanted it to be on my vest.
 |
| fig 4.4.3 - composition of the logo to be apply it on the vest |
The patterns I created were to then apply it onto the vest. I link the pattern to the masked out area I did above and then I use brush and added some shadows on the areas where it should've to create a more realistic look.
 |
| fig 4.4.4 - masks link and shadows added (22/10/22) |
|
I also added the logo on the belt for the model. As mentioned earlier, change the texture of the logo and then remove the unused area of the logo which are being covered by the untuck vest with pen tool.
Furthermore, I also did made some flat designs for items like envelope, card invitations and stamps. I downloaded these templates from Freepik then started to work with them.
 |
| fig 4.5.1 - 1st attempt on envelope and card invitation (23/10/22) |
 |
fig 4.5.2 - final for envelope and card invitation (23/10/22)
|
 |
fig 4.5.3 - collateral of wax stamps (23/10/22)
|
 |
fig 4.5.4 - 1st attempt on collateral of name card (4/11/22)
|
 |
fig 4.5.4 - final attempt on collateral of name card (4/11/22)
|
3. Layout of Instagram Posts
 |
fig 4.6.1 - 1st attempt on collateral of name card (23/10/22)
|
|
After getting Mr.Vinod feedbacks that our instagram posts should be using our key artworks and create patterns, also using other person artworks are not acceptable, so ya. I made some changes. Here's the final attempt for my instagram posts layouts. I spent quite some time to choose their color scheme and positions so to make an aesthetic and nice ig feed.
 |
fig 4.6.2 - final attempt on collateral of name card (5/11/22)
|
|
Submission:
1. JPEG
Feedbacks
Week 6
General Feedback: Your mark must be memorable, functional and underpinned by something. Make sure you do some research online and there’re no duplicate or similar designs.
Specific Feedback: the line under the ‘X’ looks confused, make sure your marks are functional, and in elegant form.
Week 7:
General Feedback: The key artwork is abit confusing, it's not legible.
Specific Feedback: Mr.Vinod likes how the way the 'S' constructed which is poition face to face. Might work with the above section with the letters 'L' and 'X' then consrtuct it into a queen or elegant style I wanted.
Week 8 (ILW) : N/A
Reflections
Experience: In my task 2A&2B, to be honest I think it's super fun as we get to create our own monogram/key artwork that brings out ourselves. At first, I was quite lost and have no idea on how to present myself. But slowly as I explore more from the internet and more about myself then only I have some idea on my monogram. The process of creating the monogram itself, I think it's not too hard since you've already had the idea. But what I think it struggle me is the process of application as it kinda challenge my photoshop skills. However, throughout the whole process, I would rate a 9 out of 10 I got fun in this.
Observation: From task 2, I've found out creating your key artwork is not only important in the final form or refinement. However, it's very important behind the concept on creating it. An elegant and pretty monogram is anywhere, but what makes your monogram special, unique and memorable which people will not forget? Well we really need to think about it, burning our cells think about that. I also observed the beauty of letter forms theirselves individually. Like how did they form, how's their strokes look like, and how they're connected.
Findings: Task 2 let me knows that how can we use letters which we think there're no speciality in them can create a wow-ed form key artwork. We will never thought that a dumb bold letter itself when connected together can form a key artwork. I get to have a deeper knowledge of their strokes and learn on how or in which way to connect them naturally without making any confusion.
Further Readings
A Type Primer 2nd Edition, John Kane
CHAPTER 1: BASIC (PAGES 1-14)
 |
| fig 6.1 - A Type Primer 2nd Edition, John Kane |
|
This book provides the fundamentals of typography from organizing text to understanding the application of grid systems. Consequently, it helped me understand the gist of this module alongside the lecture notes given by Mr.Vinod.
 |
| fig 6.1.2 - Explanation on Italics (pg 6) |
|
.jpeg) |
| fig 6.1.3 Explanation on Roman (pg 8) |
|
.jpeg) |
fig 6.1.4 - explanation of The Origins of Type Units (pg 10)
|
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Comments
Post a Comment