2020 has been a very interesting year. A global pandemic has temporarily halted the world and we feel like we are in a nightmare that we will never wake up from.
With this also comes some positivity. Creativity thrives in this climate. People may have found way to pass time by expressing creativity through video, dance, painting, music production etc. They may have re-kindled passions once lost, found new hobbies or just found more time to focus on what has always been their passion. I am the latter. Lockdown, while difficult at times has allowed me to really focus on truly finding out what my design style is and running with it!
In the last 3 months I have explored new styles and techniques, new colour palettes and had fun in the process! I have added all of the concepts to the 'WORK' section of my site for you to get a closer look. I am going to talk you through my top 3 favourite concepts for this semester, chosen for their striking and eye catching appearance and the overall design process.
1. Head Slice Poster Concept
For overall impact at first sight, the head slice concept was my favourite. For a person to be truly good at something it needs to be part of their very being. Passion comes from within and I think this poster concept does a good job of metaphorically showcasing this. Below is the inspiration, design process and a summary of the finished result.
2. 2020 Lockdown inspired Juxtaposition
Juxtapositions are always fun. Often ambiguous which is why I like them. The viewer is forced to try and decrypt the message within. There is more to this one than the a cough and sneeze of elements coming together :).
This concept is an analogue/digital crossover juxtaposition. I collected newspapers/magazines and household items for inspiration for ideas generation. At first glance it looks completely random, however looking closer we start to find meaning. The glasses contain an image of a nurse/doctor with facial mask and the world in her hands, in front of this we see the McDonalds arches which gave many people a clouded vision of the enormity of the current global pandemic situation. The rainbow replaces the shaven hair with NHS rainbows now ingrained on the mind. At the very top of the mind we see sea shells signifying the desire for better times ahead and a relaxed lockdown. The beard has been replaced with a black and white chevron pattern. This signifies the global growth of the black lives matter movement and the struggles following strong resistance from many. The cheek contains a star (balloon weight) signifying the great work done by the NHS and their struggle to keep COVID-19 under control. Several elements on the McDonalds cup were used in order to detract slightly from the overall message, much like the opening of the restaurants made people forget what we are going through. The background has a very dramatic roughened gradient. This simulates an abstract and other worldly experience similar to the countless issues faced in 2020. The dramatic drop shadow and defined lines also give the illusion of moving at speed. The full piece was finished off with an oil painting filter, which adds an interesting texture but also serves to metaphorically encapsulate the moment.
Below we see the inspiration and concept being born.
3. Retro TV with a modern twist
Design trends are interesting in that they always seem to go full circle. Whether it's fashion, culture or design. Styles phase in and out of popularity and in 2020 old is the new. With the styles of yesteryear making a come back, I thought it was the perfect time to create a concept with an infusion of old and new. I had a lot of fun with this style and the possibilities are endless with colours, pattern and texture applications and content. Read below for the design process. Including a look at some of the other variations within this style.
Thank you for reading! :) If you would like to see more then please visit the 'WORK' section of my site.
Much Love!
Corey