Project Overview
The task of this project took inspiration from the New Yorker Magazine, in which is known for using sets of spot illustrations throughout their articles, that add a dynamic visual appeal for the reader alongside the writing. I was prompted to create a cohesive set of 6 illustrations that are easy to see at a small size.
The task of this project took inspiration from the New Yorker Magazine, in which is known for using sets of spot illustrations throughout their articles, that add a dynamic visual appeal for the reader alongside the writing. I was prompted to create a cohesive set of 6 illustrations that are easy to see at a small size.
Ideation
First I began to sketch out different ideas for a set of 7. Using chickens in a humorous way but with a relatable “human” relatability, my concept explored different workforce careers in today’s world, but with a feathery twist. When sketching, I explored 30 different possible illustrations and variations that further developed selected ones. Working this way, allows me a wealth of choice in the beginning so then I can curate the strongest results.
First I began to sketch out different ideas for a set of 7. Using chickens in a humorous way but with a relatable “human” relatability, my concept explored different workforce careers in today’s world, but with a feathery twist. When sketching, I explored 30 different possible illustrations and variations that further developed selected ones. Working this way, allows me a wealth of choice in the beginning so then I can curate the strongest results.
Production
Then bringing the scans of my sketches into Adobe Photoshop and bringing feedback from peers, I used a digital drawing tablet and created my final set. Throughout this stage, I went through rounds of cleaning up the lines and tweaking the forms to the way I wanted to illustrate them. Additionally, during this stage, I added different bright colors to each worker that signify their profession. For example, the politicians use the traditional American political colors and the construction worker dones oranges and greens. Together the colors emphasize the range of jobs in the workforce today.
Then bringing the scans of my sketches into Adobe Photoshop and bringing feedback from peers, I used a digital drawing tablet and created my final set. Throughout this stage, I went through rounds of cleaning up the lines and tweaking the forms to the way I wanted to illustrate them. Additionally, during this stage, I added different bright colors to each worker that signify their profession. For example, the politicians use the traditional American political colors and the construction worker dones oranges and greens. Together the colors emphasize the range of jobs in the workforce today.
Finalization+Reflection
Then using Adobe Photoshop I created mockups to show the spot illustrations in application. By scanning pre-existing New Yorker Magazines and placing my illustrations within the article, I contextualized the work in the real world.
Then using Adobe Photoshop I created mockups to show the spot illustrations in application. By scanning pre-existing New Yorker Magazines and placing my illustrations within the article, I contextualized the work in the real world.
This project allowed me to explore the application of illustration collaboratively with writers. One of the biggest skills I strengthened was not only growing my general illustration skills but also creating a set that felt matching and cohesive together, offering a unique aspect to each of the specific illustrations.
