ILLUSTRATION
The following projects are the product of my studies in media design foundations courses. I use Adobe Illustrator CC to achieve these results.
“STICKY”
Illustration of a Descriptive Word
This illustration was really fun to conceptualize, though I found it difficult to produce, seeing as I attempted this design relatively early in my media design foundations studies. I think I was successful in creating a dynamic composition and an imaginative concept. However, it would be nice to develop this illustration further now that I’ve gained more familiarity and technical skill with the Adobe Illustrator software. Perhaps I could add details and textures that would further emphasize the stickiness of the word “sticky”.
ABSTRACT SELF PORTRAIT
When creating this illustrative self-portrait, I wanted to use symbolic imagery to expressa stage of a transformative process. As I college student, I often feel like a caterpillar soon to emerge from her cocoon as a more beautiful creature! I also think the cocoon is representative of my reserved and introverted personality. The body language re-emphasizes the alert state one experiences just before arriving in a new environment. The visual style was inspired by that of Japanese Woodblock printing of the ukiyo-e movement.
NOCTURNAL CREATURES
I wanted to illustrate a couple nocturnal creatures because I find their behavior relatable, as I am often staying up past midnight! There is something very beautiful and serene about that quiet time when most are asleep.
The second raccoon illustration was a revision inspired by the feedback I got from the raccoon I initially designed. I wanted to make an attempt to communicate a more sneaky and suspicious looking raccoon. I think this revision successfully establishes a more engaging perspective and more effectively sets the scene of a mysterious story.
POSTCARD
While brainstorming a location to exhibit on a postcard, I felt it would be unfair or deceptive to try to represent and assimilate the feeling of a place I’ve never visited, because those who have experienced the place first-hand might feel threatened by my interpretation. To avoid this conflict, I’d either have to feature a place that I am familiar with or, conversely, a place that no one on earth is familiar with. This is when I stumbled upon the idea of space travel for this postcard assignment. Mars seemed like the best candidate because of the relevancy of discussions about manned missions to Mars that may happen in the near future. To get further inspiration, I researched the planet’s terrain and most significant landmarks that we know of from rovers and telescopic images.
ICONOGRAPHY
I created the “party pooper” icon in response to an assignment to design icons inspired by that of road signs. It is essential that icons, especially those seen on road signs, are simplistic so that they are quickly identifiable. Ultimately, I saw this as an opportunity to be a bit playful and humorous!