Illustration and Visual Narrative: Task 3 - Illustrated Typography Poster

07/11/2024 - 29/11/2024 (Week 7 - Week 9)
Samantha Kristalyn / 0373905

Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Illustration and Visual Narrative - Task 3: Illustrated Typography Poster 

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JUMPLINKS

1. LECTURES

2. INSTRUCTIONS

3. TASK

4. RATIONALE

5. REFLECTIONS

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LECTURES

During this week's lecture, Mr. Hafiz had taught us how to utilize the 'Intertwine' tool on Adobe Illustrator, giving the design foreground, middle ground, and background for better composition for a better look. He gave us an illustrator (.ai) file to work with, while giving us step-by-step instructions so we can have hands-on practice. 

Fig. 1.1, Applying intertwine on text, (07/11/2024)

Fig. 1.2, Personal intertwine exercise, (07/11/2024)

Masking shapes/objects/text and 3D Effects
Mr. Hafiz had also taught us on how to mask text and objects on Illustrator, and also how to implement a 3D effect on them. We just had to choose Object > Clipping Mask > Make. After that, the shape now masks the artwork.

For applying 3D effects, we just had to select the object, and then click on Effect > 3D Classic > Extrude and Bevel (Classic) and adjust it further on the settings.

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INSTRUCTIONS

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TASK

We were assigned by Mr. Hafiz to create a typography art for a poster design. This assignment is a collaboration between Illustration and Visual Narrative and Digital Photography and Imaging. I have done the photography work and the image editing and color grading on the Digital Photography and Imaging course. to access.

So for this blog, I will show the process of the creation of the typography art.

1. References

I started off with looking for references. I finally ended up with three poster works that could be used as references later on once I start working on the poster. Here are the references that I have gathered to create ideas on how I'd want my poster to look:

Fig. 3.1, References, (11/11/2024)

Access to the references:

- Reference #1

- Reference #2

- Reference #3 

I have chosen a quote from one of my favorite games. The saying goes: "There is no harm in starting over. Sometimes, we need a blank canvas to create a masterpiece." 

2. Sketches

Before creating any work on Illustrator or Photoshop, I started off by creating two initial sketches digitally. Here are the few sketches I started off with:

Fig. 3.2, Initial digital sketches before revision, (11/11/2024)

I have decided to use the second sketch as the final one. Before continuing to work with it, I asked for feedback from Mr. Hafiz and consulted my work. He said that the sketches are good but the composition is still off. The words look very chaotic and all over the place and it makes the work look messy. After receiving the feedbacks from Mr. Hafiz, I tried to rearrange the layout and make it tidier. Here's the final sketch after the rearrangement:

Fig. 3.3, Hand-drawn and digital sketches after feedback and revision, (13/11/2024)

3. Process

I started off by extracting the colors from one of my references to create the color palette for the typography and vector artwork.

Fig. 3.4, Extracting colors on Adobe Color, (18/11/2024)

After gaining the colors that I needed for my work, I imported the color palette into my Adobe Illustrator's swatch library so that I could access the colors easily, making it efficient.  

I started off by writing the initial text in text boxes separately per word that I needed for my design. I adjusted the sizes and stretched them around to get the desired look. After doing so, I used the Pen tool to start drawing a knife to symbolize the word 'harm' in the design. I placed the vector element on top of the initial text.   

Fig. 3.5, Initial text and vector element, (19/11/2024)

Then, I added more coloring details to the knife vector element, and I drew on some wavy lines to accentuate and represent flow on my work. At this point, I have already started to add a few effects onto my text. I added an outer corner that I had faded on the word 'harm' to make it pop out and gave it a striking red color. I have also warped the words 'starting over' using the Envelope Distort tool to make them align with the fading red circle I have just created and placed behind them. I drew an arrow over the word 'over' to represent the overall theme of starting over (restarting in direction).    

Fig. 3.6, Detailing, (19/11/2024)

After learning about the 'Intertwine' tool during Mr. Hafiz's tutorial lecture, I decided to implement what I have learned onto my work. I used the tool for the wavy lines, making parts of it appear on top and on the bottom. I also tried to use the 3D Effect tool for the word 'masterpiece' to make it pop out more in the design.

After multiple trials and errors, I ended up with this typography and vector artwork: 

Fig. 3.7, Final typography and vector element, (20/11/2024)

4. Final Work

After further editing the poster that I have made on Photoshop, I imported the typography and vector elements from Illustrator into Photoshop to complete the final work.

Below is my final poster design after further adjustments:

Fig. 3.8, Final poster design, (20/11/2024)

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RATIONALE

Below this, I have attached my full concept board to further explain about the idea and process of my work as a whole.

Fig. 4.1, Concept board, (21/11/2024)

To explain further about my work, here is the rationale to my poster:

The design leverages a mix of bold and soft elements to communicate both strength and opportunity. The phrase "There is no harm in starting over" is emphasized with strong, bold text to inspire confidence, while "sometimes you need a blank canvas" is positioned with a lighter touch, symbolizing the gentleness required in moments of reflection.

The background cityscape fades subtly, representing the past, while the blank canvas is the focal point, directing the viewer's attention to the infinite potential of a fresh start. The figure painting signifies personal agency, inviting viewers to imagine themselves as the creators of their own new beginnings.

This poster serves as a motivational piece, encouraging the viewers to embrace fresh starts as opportunities to create something extraordinary. By blending artistic symbolism with an uplifting quote, it communicates the idea that starting over is not a setback but a chance to redefine oneself and craft a masterpiece.

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REFLECTIONS

Experience

Throughout this project, the process of creating an illustrated typography poster provided a hands-on opportunity to merge typographic and visual elements creatively. Starting from sketches to finalizing the poster design, each stage was an exploration of tools, techniques, and artistic expression. Learning to use Adobe Illustrator's Intertwine tool and 3D effects added depth and dimension to the composition, while incorporating feedback allowed for iterative improvements. Integrating the work with Adobe Photoshop further enhanced the final result by allowing for precise adjustments to colors, textures, and overall layout. 

Observation

• The Intertwine tool in Illustrator is incredibly useful for creating dynamic compositions that emphasize depth and layering.
• The integration between Illustrator and Photoshop allows for seamless workflows, ensuring consistency across design elements.
• Symbolic elements like arrows, flow lines, and vector graphics help enhance the narrative and make the typography more engaging. 

Findings

• Typography combined with meaningful visuals can create powerful messaging that resonates with audiences on both emotional and intellectual levels.
• Organizing color palettes and design assets in Illustrator improves efficiency and helps maintain consistency throughout the process.
• Experimentation with tools like Envelope Distort, 3D effects, and masking can elevate a design's overall appeal.