Adonis Specimen: Evaluation

Overall the final specimen successfully reflects the issues associated with The Adonis Complex and muscle dysmorphia through the typographic treatment. The reflective basis of the typefaces asks those reading to reflect on the information provided throughout the first half of the specimen to see if they could be affected by the Adonis Complex. Furthermore the specimen successfully raises awareness for the condition through its target audience of type enthusiasts and those interested in graphic design as around 78% of the design industry is male, as men are more commonly affected by the condition. This has been achieved through the print finish and processes used throughout the specimen as well as the underlying concept evident throughout the design. Throughout this brief, there have been multiple challenges mainly during the production process due to the complex nature of printing white ink, which was made more difficult as both the white and black ink used in the second half of the publication needed to be printed at the same time to avoid registration issues. Overall this brief provided an opportunity to extend my research conducted as part of COP3 into a more specific outcome as there was a more defined issue to explore. Despite the production issues the specimen has been completed to a high standard which reflects the design based audience the specimen is being produced for. In relation to the typeface itself it could be used within promotional campaigns or on social media to raise awareness and encourage people to reflect on how they see themselves and question if they could be affected. However the production of a specimen was more appropriate for a design audience as the production quality extends the audience past just those interested in type to the wider design community whom may be interested in publications. In additon the book box encourages men to step outside the 'man box' and explore how body image and how they see themselves.