Wk 3.2 Lectorial

Visual Language: Colour, Composition, Style 

Understand/Define

We had a lectorial on colour, composition and style. We were shown examples of design and as a whole class we had to discuss these elements of each work. This helped me understand more fully how colour, composition and style work and how they can portray certain meanings when used successfully. 

Wk 3.2 Thinking Hats

Studio Time

Ideate

In class we learnt about De Bono’s ‘Thinking Hats’ and what coloured hat means what. We were put into groups and given the topic of 'Sugar Free Jellybeans' and our coloured hat was black. Black means logical, cautious and pessimistic. So we had to come up with ideas about this product. We presented our ideas to the class in character also. 

Using this method of looking at things is interesting and really helpful to help think of new ideas. I feel I will definitely use this method in the future for this subject and others also. 

Wk 3.1 Homework

Idea Generation

Making

For homework we had to come up with more concepts. I feel like my concepts so far are too literal. I try to get symbolism in there and a deeper meaning but I feel like I am struggling with that at the moment. However it is good for me to get all my ideas out there visually. 

Wk 3.1: Power of Words: Part Two

Ideation Workshop: Random Input

Making

For this activity we had to take one of our recent concepts and put a new caption underneath it. First with only three words then with as many as you wanted as long as it was still short. 

Original Concept 

I found it quite cool that with just changing the text underneath your concept, it can change the whole message. I wanted to keep all of them con because that is what my final outcome will be. All them in the end try to communicate that the person on social media is really alone. 

Wk 3.1 Power of Words

Critique & Word + Image

Understand/Critique

As a class group we all discussed and critiqued our examples of VCD that show a good use of visual rhetoric, making the familiar unfamiliar, and image combination and manipulation. My tutor Caroline liked one of my found images and used it as an example to the class. 

We then split up into pairs and critiqued each others concepts we completed for homework. According to my partner most of my concepts were strong but some were hard to understand without an explanation.  

The one of the left is has too many ideas in one design and the second concept got the general idea across but my partner didn't understand why the footprint stopped after the Facebook man. She said I could improve this by having a path for all three people so it was clearer. 

Wk 2.2 Homework

Examples of VCD & Idea Generation

Understand/Ideate/Making/Critique 

For our independent study this week we had to find examples of VCD that use visual rhetoric, making the familiar unfamiliar, and image combination and manipulation. At first I found it hard to find examples but then after I knew how to word it in Google, It came quite easily. 

After researching we had to generate more ideas. 

I feel like the majority of my ideas are rather depressing and I need to step away from such a dark view on the topic. Some of my ideas here are stronger than others but all could do with improvement. However getting my ideas down visually really helps me come up with more ideas. 

Wk 2:2 Lectorial, Critique, Cropping & Substitution

Making the Familiar, Familiar

Understand/Ideate/Making/Critique

We started off in groups critiquing our solutions using visual rhetoric for homework. One of my solutions was aimed to be a pro but with a discussion with my group, we changed it to con.

From Pro to Negative

Con

Con, right changed from pro to con

Pro

In the same groups as before we were given a kitchen item. We had to come up with ways it could be used (even if they were ridiculous or unrealistic). 

By ourselves we had to use our cropping L's to crop and redraw imagery from our mind maps we created in a previous class. I found this challenging as most of my imagery was screen shots from social media sites. 

As a class we were then shown different symbols and had to say what the represented by themselves then what they meant when they were put with other symbols. This showed me how powerful it can be just by putting two different images together. 

Wk 2.1 Homework

Creating Solutions using Visual Rhetoric

Ideate/Making

We had to create at least 6 solutions (three pro, three con) using visual rhetoric. I feel I had good ideas for cons but struggled with pros. This definitely finalised my decision for taking the con Social Media stance. 

The process took a long time but I feel a got some good ideas out there. 

Wk 2:1 Visual Examples & Visual Matrix

Analysing Design & Group Mind Maps 

Understand/Ideate

We looked at strong examples of design and were taught about Rhetoric Analysis. We also went over Ihi and Wehi which is what I really wanted to go over.

We were split into groups of 2-3 people and made a mind map with our collected visual research. We organised the information using rhetoric design elements. 

Brainstorm made in class

Wk 1:2 Brainstorming More and Debating

I am glad I wasn't chosen to speak

Understand

We were divided into new groups and given one of the three project topics to brainstorm about. My group was given Megastores (Pro). After that we would vote on three students in our group to debate against the other group with Megastores (Con). All the debaters were very professional and I was convinced with both sides. However my team lost the debate. 

We had to do some more research and divide it into groups. I feel like my research is just repeating itself. For homework we have to make mind maps and pick pictures relating to our topic. I feel there is only so many ways to write the same thing in a different way or put it into different groups. 

Wk 1:2 Brainstorming our chosen Topics

I picked the wrong topic..

Understand

We were spilt into groups with people who had the same chosen topic as us. I chose to research further into Voting but while we were in groups discussing what we came up with and getting more ideas off each other, I felt that I had a whole lot of research of my topic but I didn't fully understand anything about the government or voting. I would feel more confident choosing a topic I could easily relate to and experience first hand. I have chosen Social Media as my topic. I am looking forward to researching this topic more and finding out more interesting and surprising statistics.

Wk 1:1 Introduction to 222.258 Part 2

Introduction to Ihi and Wehi

Understand

We were introduced to the Maori  words "Ihi" and "Wehi". We were told it will play a large part in this project and to try make our work relate to these words. In class I felt I understood these terms and I can definitely see how these are relevant in this particular project. However as soon as we were sent to complete our research for homework, I couldn't remember what Ihi meant. I looked it up in the brief.

"Ihi and wehi are complementary terms associated with emotional and psychological behaviour. Ihi can be described as an individual’s essential force, charisma, power or charm – which emanates throughout the creative process. Wehi, on the other hand, highlights the internalised feelings that occur in response to ihi. Sometimes the terms dread or awe are commonly used to describe wehi. In this context, wehi is taken to mean the emotional response on the part of the viewer.

How does your work make you feel? How does the work of others make you feel? What effects, intentional or unintentional, does it provoke or generate? What energy or resonance does your work have for others?"

Although I read this I was still confused as to what Ihi was. I researched Voting and Social Media because I am still wondering what topic to pick. 

Wk 1:1 Introduction to 222.258

Introduction to Voting, Social Media and Megastores 

Understanding 

Today we had an introduction to our brief. We have to create an A2 poster either on the topics of Voting (for or against), is social media media really social and Mega stores (how they effect smaller businesses and the community. We got shown video examples of each topic on different views and opinions of the topics. 

Before we watched the videos I thought I would go with the Social Media idea but after watching Russell Brands interview on BBC, I decided to go with the topic Voting. However I am not sure if I will be for or against.