Project 2 – Week 4
Feedback from the previous tutorial (week 3 – 24.02.22)
– Overall, really good. The work starts to take shape.
– Few cards/diagrams need some changes to become more clear and connect the previous with the next cards (transitions/transformations). I can also use some traditional diagramming methods.
– The page numbers are a little bit distracting in the front of the card. I can put them on the backside.
This week I have continued working on my project, fixing issues in some diagrams (based on the feedback I got). I’ve also removed all the page numbers from the front of the cards, moving them to the backside. However, I’m still thinking to print the cards two times, one with the page numbers in front, and one with the page numbers at the backside.
↘
Project 2
Research and Storytelling through Diagrams:
Brain Transformation
What happens when the brain takes the form of a simple circle, and how it affects and is being affected by its surrounding visual elements?
A visual study that uses diagrammatic illustrations to explore and communicate the brain’s functions through a graphic communication lens. A diagrammatic journey where the brain is being transformed, taking new dimensions; revealing how it is divided, how thoughts are developing, etc. How its complexity can be investigated and communicated through simple black elements such as shapes, lines and arrows?
All 50 cards are numbered (back side of each card) based on a specific order, framing a narrative. However, each one can work individually. What new narratives can occur when re-arranging the cards?
Specifications: 50 cards (+ project description), 105x148mm, Snowdon Cartridge paper 300gsm + Case: Black card 350gsm.
A series of cards.
Each card communicates something using my diagrammatic method/language, is developed based on the previous one (visually and contextually), and is part of a bigger series of 50 cards. All together form a narrative with a specific order. But can this order change? And if so, what new narratives can occur?
General Enquiry
The diagrammatic language and its use, with particular emphasis on its potential to construct/shape a narrative.
Audience
The audience is people who love art books, zines; printed editions in general. This series of cards (printed and packed in a nice paper sleeve) can be sold in magazine/book shops like Magma Books, Artwords, Tender Books, Magculture, etc.
Content/Context
Even if my first idea was to start with a circle and let the diagrammatic elements make their magic and transform this circle into a variety of things (transformation of a circle), I have decided to be more specific and work on a specific topic.
During my previous work/projects, I was making stories based on my thoughts while walking, or while observing things. But how thoughts are shaped?
I have considered the circle to be the brain. Using my diagrammatic method I aim to explore and communicate the brain’s functions (from a simple perspective), but at the same time compare it with other things. A visual study where the brain takes new dimensions, revealing how is divided, how thoughts are developing, etc.
Aim
Trying to communicate a narrative/explore a (complicated) topic using simple diagrammatic elements (shapes, lines, arrows + Visual Grammar), and as little text as needed (this will give the context to my project).
This series of diagrams challenges the ‘thinking and imagination’ of the viewer. Many diagrams can be interpreted in various ways but they still have one story that are based on. Leaving space for imagination, striking a balance between clarity and ambiguity. How do people respond to visual elements they don’t clearly understand and how this confusion/misleading can form new interesting narratives?
Printing, documenting, doing things…
Click here for the final outcome, documentation, etc. ↴
1:1 with Andrew (17.03.22)
Discussion about the type of submission (gcd studio)
https://gcd.studio/pages/research-and-storytelling-through-diagrams
I used this platform as a tool to present my work, as part of an online digital exhibition. The process and the whole research behind my project can be seen in my blog.
Discussion about the work in general.
Interesting work, really well presented and communicated (great documentation/images, etc.).
My work (project 2) is very pleasing to see, one next to the other, one after the other in the form of a gif, etc. Animation is something that I could experiment with.
My work is also more conceptual, abstract, based on theory. How can I use this to go further/ expand on it? (Books, cultural objects, organising reading.)
DEPTH / COMPLEXITY / RIGOROUS
I LOVE MAKING BOOKS; using them to shape and communicate a story or explore a topic (Research and Storytelling through Diagrams). I can use the book as a tool to experiment in-depth. How can I use it along with my diagrams? The important thing could be the book and the diagrams, not the content. The content will come from the other two.
– Cut-outs/holes
– Folds
– Textures
– Materials
– Binding
On the other hand, I can use a topic that will give context to my work (like before). Previously, I was exploring the brain and its functions. Can I focus on one specific topic/aspect? Fantasy, dreams, subconsciousness, etc.
References
– House of cards (Eames)
Building and forming the story, using the cards.
– Bureau D’etudes
Creative mapping. Giving information (infographics). Viewers can learn something out of it, even if it looks complicated.
This reminds me also of David McCandless’ work (Information is Beautiful), which I’ve already researched before.