Proverbally yours// Message & Interpretation

  BRIEF

 

Proverb: Still waters run deep

Initially receiving this prover was immediately as bit confused, as it isn't often heard in context. However it soon became a bit more apparent in what it was trying to say; that not everything is how it appears, and that their is often more to something or someone than on the surface. 

Initial Ideas 

So with a better understanding of my proverb a few quick ideas were produced in how portray a meaning while meeting the poster brief. Here is some experimentation with quite literal meanings of the proverb and some more underlying ideas focusing on how quite people often had more complex personalities and actually had important things to say. 

Firstly, the sketched above show development with the idea of quiet people having the most important things to say. Also, there are some simple illustrations displaying 'sound' and 'silent' symbols that are well known. However, this idea isn't very creative or original, plus it doesn't really convey my proverb as well as it could. 

This design sheet shows a more literal meaning of the proverb. The visuals could be created by keeping the design really simple and to the point. This would be a more comical approach if one of these designs were to be pursued. Also as these designs are so obvious and direct, their shouldn't be any room for ambiguity. 

Here are two designs that are very opposite ways in portraying the proverb. The top design is a way of trying to repeat the idea of people who keep themselves to themselves actually often have more knowledge and important things to say. The idea of a person with a newspaper without seeing their face suggests that you should never judge what a person is capable of. 

Lastly, these design focus on both a literal and conceptual meaning. The sketches suggest that often their is more to something that we just see on the surface. That is why the iceberg imagery is suitable, as above the water most people know through photographs and films what a iceberg looks like. However under the surface is somewhere unexplored and shows something unexpected. Imagery of the an iceberg underwater is often something that cause surprise and shock. Therefore that it why this idea could be successful in communicating the proverb.  

Above are some quick sketches to experiment with one the literal ideas. 

The series above were hand-drawn from scratch on illustrator. They are very simple Illustrations, with basic outlines. But it is the simplicity and clarity that makes it obvious what is being communicated. 

The next step was to apply type to the imagery. Again, it dosen't need too much as it is a very simple design and concept. The type dosen't want to overshadow the imagery or overcomplicate the overall design. 

Type only poster

Image only poster

Image and Type poster

By applying colour to the posters, the imagery really stands out. The deep blue really allows the simple white outlines to be enhanced. Overall this simple design is fun but the meaning is a bit to literal when communicating the proverb.

Here is the begininning to more development work from an original sketch. Again with little experience in using Illustrator, these development and experimenting with ideas is really good in discovering some skills and techniques in the programme.

The image above just shows more colour being applied. The block colour gives the image a really aesthetically pleasing look. It also gives the shapes a strong outline and enhances the placement of the imagery.

Here are two posters that could be used. The imagery has been made to look more 3-D which. In the whole the composition and choice of type works really well in which the imagery has been created. However, again, it communicates the proverb in more of a literal way which may not be the most effective way.  

Idea Development 

After looking back on the collection of sketches the iceberg idea is definitely the way forward. This  idea portrays the meaning in both a metaphorical and literal way; the concept that you can't always see or assume what is beneath the surface. It will work best by trying to keep it simple and straight to the point. 

It was decided to produce the series of posters on Illustrator to improve skills and techniques on the programme. Therefore it may be quite keep simple as currently the programme is rather unfamiliar.

Firstly drew the iceberg, boat and sky. 

Added in the deep blue sea. 

Using the pen tool and applying brush strokes, the bottom part to the iceberg was created. 

The proverb is then added onto the poster in 'Claire Hand' font. 

Final series of posters; Type only, Image only, Type and Image 

Above are a few photos of the posters set out in the correct format. The contrast of the light blue on the dark blue works really well. The colour of the sea also allows the white typography the lines of the iceberg to really stand out. The actual proverb is communicated in an original way. Something that was initially quite difficult, became easier as more development and experimentation went on.