Final Poster

When photographing my final poster I wanted to take into account the shadows and how the angle could exaggerate, the shadows, the text and the sculpture. I tried and tested several shots, and concluded some of my favourite aspects of each to produce my final outcome.

< When experimenting with the photography, my favourite snap shot was this one! However, sadly i could not recreate this portrait without missing out some of the text. 

I chose this photograph for my final poster as it was the closest I could get to the previous photo. I am happy with the outcome and glad to see the shadows are readable which I feel emphasises the depth of the poster. I am pleased with the how the sculpture has been merged with the text as neither one is distracting the other, they work alongside each other.

Type and Sculpture : LAYOUTS

I chose to lay the text in this way as to allow each word to be successfully readable. I also decided make each line smaller the closer to the front it was as to allow a sloping affect and to increase the ability to read the information further. I used a laser cutter to provide accurate and neat type first designing the layout and type on Illustrator then transferring to Coral Draw. I am happy with the outcome, and without the use of the laser cutter I believe the smaller text will have become fiddly and perhaps have teared.

I looked at different possible layouts of text with sculpture for my final poster. Keeping each cone free from the other, I experimented with different positions to see which idea produced the greatest outcome. 

First layout:

Here I decided to use the cones on both sides of the text, arranged in different ways, however following the same idea as the text; larger at the back, gradually getting smaller. I do not like this idea; the main feature is the text in this layout, whereas I am aiming for balance between both text and sculptures. I also dislike the dead space at the back of the page. 

Second layout:

Moving on from the previous layout, I steered away from separating the text and sculptures by merging both together. I dotted the cones around the text, some even leaning on the letters. I feel this layout has not any structure to it and due to certain positions of the cones, the text is hard to read. 

Third layout:

I decided to eliminate the dead space at the back of the page which i previously disliked by placing the cones in a structured format. This brings the cones together to form one larger model, however, due not be put together by an adhesive, are still free from each other. I like the outcome of this layout; how the text is still easy to read, yet does not feel separate from the sculpture. I would like to develop how the cones are placed together further to find the best combination.  

Fourth layout:

Keeping the cones at the back, I experimented with leaning them on the letters. Personally, I think they appear like party hats which is fitting to the idea of celebration. I do, however feel the text is favoured and is greater highlighted than the cones. 

Fifth layout:
Here I decided to present the cones in ascending order, as the text does. It appears structured and controlled, and although provides a professional look, does not have that feel of "letting your hair down" and celebrating!

Sixth layout:
Following the principle of ordering the cones in ascending order, I incorporated the previous model design I was first influenced and inspired by. I believe it looks a little bland and simple and does not portray the general feeling of celebration, fun and accomplishment I desire.














Final layout:
I have chosen this as my final layout, because it combines all the aspects I loved in the previous experimentations. The use of dead space, random and fun, appearance of party hats, the cones coming together to produce one larger model whilst still not being attached, as well as, both the text and sculpture working together successfully. 

Cone Sculpture

When referring back to my previous models, I was particularly interested in the cone sculptures I produced. I decided to research into the concepts of the shape and what a cone actually symbolises. A cone is smooth rounded shape with a pointed top and a circular base. The idea of a circle represents something on going which is endless. The structure is also a solid figure which is strong and stable. The symbolisms of a cone refer to the concept of plenty, abundance, joy and the fruition of plans. All these qualities I believe portray GF Smith Paper and have decided to use this shape for my poster sculpture. 

I considered attaching these shapes together to make a final sculpture, however I have decided to use different sized cones as separate sculptures, placed together in a way which appears both random yet on the other hand planned. My reason for this is to highlight the ides of several uses, there are several modules, there are several ways to use paper. I also feel the idea of each cone being free from the other represents the idea of broadness, the wide range of facilities the company has.

Chosen Type

After looking into the works of Peter Callesen, I chose to incorporate his techniques into my type. Cutting each letter out of paper and elevating it of the page i realised i had discovered my final font. I loved how the letters were still present in the two dimensional aspects as well as the three dimensional. When photographing my work, i soon realised how the lighting could produce a readable shadow which only exaggerated the text. This idea I feel is different and conveys all the qualities of GF Smith Paper and the vast possibilities of paper. 

Peter Callesen

Peter Callesen is a danish artist and author who is renowned for his beautiful pieces of paper engineering. he buildings inspiring compositions combining the minimalism of cut out shapes in flat paper with the complexity of folded sculptures. Peter Callesen's work is intricate and intriguing. i am particularly interested in his success of mixing two dimensional and three dimensional aspects together. Perhaps i could include these concepts in my type work, (food for thought)

Type Research

During my Observation and Communication module which ran alongside this project, we had to produce our own hand-drawn type. I decided to use these skills when choosing my type, as to allow me to create a type which is personal and suitable for the poster. I first began with choosing a generic font to use as a starting point. I decided to use "Franklin Gothic Medium" as it is a simple yet elegant font. I felt this highlighted the modern aspects to GF Smith Paper as well as portraying an established and well recognised company. 

I first began by using a black pen to produce inside and outside fills. Here I experimented with a leaf style pattern, a scruffy scribble style, and then using lines to surround and emphasise the text. Although these ideas followed the idea of repeat and illustrated the uniqueness of the business, I felt they were not 'professional' enough to represent a respected worldwide company.

I decided to look into templates and using different materials to create a multitude of effects. The first test I used paper to stamp the paint on and a 'veiny' effect. The second test i used a sponge which produced a faded away appearance which looked vintage. I really love the outcome  of these ideas, especially the sponge effect. 

Using the cut out text I retrieved from my template I wanted to experiment with using them as stamps. The top text portrays the outcome, which was random. It portrays to me a uncontrolled situation, which does not represent the concluded overview i researched of GF Smith Paper. The second text was done by using a tooth brush. I aimed for an explosion effect showing celebrations and excitement. Although I feel this idea was achieved I am not keen on the general outcome.

Ideas

For task two I looked at previous models I had experimented with as to determine an idea to begin with. I found a particular interest in these models where different sized strands of paper have been cut into the sheet, separated and overlapped. I looked at some quick ideas, incorporating these sculptures into my celebratory poster. My ideas here were to just place type onto the paper either digitally or drawn on, however, I feel this does not portray the great uses of paper. 

Looking at the same style of model, I chose to experiment with the type differently. I decided to hang each letter from the strands so the outcome appeared as if the letters were floating inside the sculpture. When testing this idea, I soon discovered a huge draw back; there was not enough space to fit all the text inside. To try and correct this i attempted to create a larger scale model as to allow enough space, however, then the strength of the structure was lost and the strands began to fold inside. 

GF Smith Paper

Task Two for my Skills Workshop involved creating a celebratory poster for GF Smith Paper. Due to this i felt it necessary to research the company to help inspire and influence my ideas.

GF Smith was fonded in the 1880's by Mr George Frederick Smith, beginning as a small family business and developing into one of the most recognised, unique and respected paper companies worldwide. It is based in Hull, East Yorkshire where they develop and manufacture wide ranges of unusual and interesting papers for the Graphics and Printing Industries. The company has been trading as speciality paper merchants for over 100 years and is not only producing different papers to be used in a multitude of    creative ways, but are capable of embossing and laminating.

Trial and Error: FINAL

Third attempt:

When looking at my previous developments compared to my research I noticed my ideas felt too structured, where as in fact the concept of repeat in a pine cone is random. Therefore, I adapted and reformed my second attempt by stagering the shapes to represent the random and angular repeated forms I concluded from my research on pine cones.

I chose to present the general shape of a pine cone by producing larger forms which gradually get smaller. I feel the overall decision to repeat one basic form only emphasises the factor. I also chose to hang this structure rather then use an adhesive to stick each form together as I felt how the structure naturally hung was an interpretation to the natural aspect of my chosen subject of research, pine cones. 

I have decided to use this structure as my final model as it provided all the elements and aspects that I found interesting in previous experimentations. I love the concept of layering used in my piece which is also illustrated in each separate form rather then just the piece as a whole. The angular appearance presents the feeling of strength such as a quality of a pine cone, however, as also been softened by the way the paper has been folded.

Trial and Error: THREE

I decided to follow the previous concept of using several repeated small models to create a larger structure and chose to use this simple structure i remembered learning to create when i was younger. i felt the shape nicely represented a cross section of a pine cone, with the jagged spikes and the rough edges. i believe when repeated this structure could successfully represent a pine cone and all its repeated forms.

First attempt:

My first thought was to just stack the small structures on top of each other. When done the outcome looked plain and simple, however, defiantly a good starting point to develop!

Second attempt: 

Following the previous attempt as a point to progress I decided I wanted to incorporate the general cone shape of a pine cone which I concluded in my research and preferred in other experimentations. I chose to include this by gradually making the repeat structure smaller. I prefer this idea than the previous; it feels like it has more points of interests, however, I feel the outcome is too structured and planned, appearing more like a pyramid from Egypt then a pine cone!

Trial and Error: TWO

During another workshop, Richard Sweeney suggested re-producing one structure several times, building them together to create a larger structure. I found this idea particularly interesting and was fond of how it exaggerated and emphasised the theme of repeat (after all thats the main concept of my work). I chose to experiement in depth this idea and decided to use a cone shape, which I concluded as the general shape of a pine cone. I am pleased with the outcomes, however, I feel they are too basic in comparison to the intricate structure of a pine cone.

Trial and Error: ONE

After experimenting with different folding techniques I was drawn to this particular idea. The overall outcome reminded me of the repeated forms I discovered in my overlay work as well as the idea of each spike coming in and out.

 

I decided to use this idea and twist it into the cone shape of a pine cone. I feel after doing this the triangle points have changed from being structured to random and unexpected. I feel this idea has successfully demonstrated the aspects of a pine cone i studied in my research.

I also decided to look at different textures. I considered the texture of a pine cone and how there was even repeat found and chose to fold paper to recreate that "woody" feel. I had already looked at previous techniques to produce a texture, but furthered my studies by experimenting with a simple fan folding technique. I believe this idea is perhaps not as suitable as the previous experimentation, as it appears too unnatural.

Previous texture
experimentation