Speaking From Experience: John Illustrations

In order to further develop the illustrations for studio brief 4 John our PPP tutor has been developed. Penny our other tutor didn't respond to our emails so we couldn't gain permission to illustrate her in time for the completion of the brief. Upon the development of Johns illustrations the main issues faced where conveying age whilst sticking to the simple aesthetic created within the other drawings and capturing his mustache and bearded as this was the key identifying feature established whilst conducting research. In relation to the development of the face the key features such as eyes, ears, nose and hair where simple to develop due to the availability of an image to work from. However when trying to demonstrate age (see figure 1) within the illustrations which has been an issue among other illustrations the simple line aesthetic previously chosen became an issue. The main difficulties faced was the use of lines to create wrinkles which in early experiments looked odd and out of place. However upon development and refinement the simple use of lines aided in demonstrating age after receiving feedback on areas in which to best place the lines. This feedback allowed for an illustration showing age through the use of limited and small wrinkled to hint at age instead of trying to full demonstrate it as was the case in earlier experimentation. Additionally it was also difficult to develop the correct beard and moustache shape for john due to his well trimmed mustache. The main difficulty when developing the facial hair using straight lines was the curves within the moustache. This was solved by staggering the lines in order to create a fluid curve which flowed into the beard creating the desired shape. The ability to demonstrate the moustache allows for the illustration to be easily recognisable as this was a major feature identified during research. In relation to the shoulders Johns slender build was easily achievable with the incorporation of a v-neck as this was also a featured identified during research. Overall the final illustration (see figure 2) works well to represent John and show the simplicity featured within the other illustrations as inspired by Massimo Vignelli quote 'We like Design that is clear, simple and enduring' as this is something in which the students will learn throughout first year. 

Figure 1

Figure 2